PUTRAJAYA, July 22 — The Home Ministry, through the Immigration Department (JIM), will increase the number of new automatic gate systems (autogates) at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Penang International Airport to overcome congestion at the country's entry points.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution said as many as 40 new autogates were added at KLIA Terminals 1 and 2, bringing the total number to 80, while the additional facilities in Penang are being identified.
He said the move is also in line with the expansion of the autogate facility and preparation for Malaysia becoming the Asean Chairman 2025 and the Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
“Today, international plane arrivals get media coverage when congestion occurs. So, we have negotiated with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) for additional autogates to be installed and we need more space. Home secretary-general Datuk Ruji Ubi will handle the procurement.
“We are also chasing time because next year we will take over the Asean Chairmanship, which we need to manage so that there is no congestion at the entry points," he said in a press conference after the 2024 Immigration Day parade here today.
Previously, Saifuddin announced that visitors from another 36 low-risk countries would be allowed to use the autogate at all entry points in countries that have the facility effective June 1, 2024.
The facility involves all European Union countries, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, China, Canada, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Meanwhile, he said the use of the Quick Response (QR) code system at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (CIQ) of the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) in Johor has been well received by users.
From June 1 to July 18, a total of 197,901 bus passengers at BSI and 311,130 bus passengers and motorcyclists at KSAB used the QR system.
"The initiative has succeeded in reducing the waiting period by between 70 and 80 per cent.
"This number is expected to increase, further reducing congestion at the Malaysia-Singapore entry point," he said.
Saifuddin said the use of the system will be extended to all travellers, including non-citizens and long-term pass holders as well as those travelling by car, in the next phase.
— Bernama
