2-12-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysia has significantly broadened its automated immigration clearance system, extending autogate access to visitors from an additional 53 nations, marking a major step forward in streamlining international arrivals, Deputy Home Minister Shamsul Anuar Nasarah announced in Parliament today.
The expansion encompasses 26 European Union member states, 17 non-EU European countries, six Arab nations, and four key Asian and North American territories including Canada, Hong Kong, China, and Taiwan. This strategic move brings the total number of countries with autogate privileges to 60, dramatically transforming Malaysia’s border management approach.
Speaking during the Dewan Rakyat’s question-and-answer session, Shamsul revealed that 1,568 automatic passport scanning machines are currently operational across the country’s entry points. The initiative follows Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail’s earlier commitment to expedite entry procedures without compromising national security.
In a parallel development, the Home Ministry is evaluating an innovative QR code system for implementation at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). “This technology will revolutionise our immigration process, allowing travellers to simply scan a QR code containing their personal and travel information,” Shamsul explained.
The modernisation drive extends beyond airports, with plans to implement QR code systems at land and sea border crossings. Notably, the government has already announced the expansion of QR code clearance at Johor’s key entry points – the Sultan Iskandar Building and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex – for all transport modes travelling to and from Singapore, beginning in 2024.
The integrated system is designed not only to enhance operational efficiency but also to strengthen anti-corruption measures at immigration checkpoints. “These technological advancements represent a dual approach to improving service delivery while maintaining robust security protocols,” the Deputy Minister added.
