PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Immigration Department, will increase the number of new automatic gate systems ( autogates ) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA Terminals 1 and 2 ) and Penang to overcome congestion at the country’s entry points.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution reported that KLIA Stations 1 and 2 added 40 extra autogates, totaling 80, while the more features in Penang are being identified.
According to Mr. Saifuddin, the expansion of the facility was in line with Malaysia’s plans to take over the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ) in 2026 as well as Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
” Now, when congestion arises, an international plane’s arrival gets media attention. We have therefore negotiated with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad ( MAHB) for more parking spaces and have already negotiated for additional autogates.
” ( Home affairs ministry ) secretary-general Ruji Ubi will manage 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 on Monday ( Jul 22 )
Prior to the Powerful Jun 1, 2024 announcement, Mr. Saifuddin made it known that guests from 36 low-risk nations would be able to use the autogates at all access points in nations that have the center.
The facility involves all European Union ( EU) countries, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, China, Canada, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Meanwhile, he said the use of the Quick Response Code ( QR ) system at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex ( CIQ ) of Sultan Iskandar Building ( BSI) and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex ( KSAB) in Johor was well received by users.
From Jun 1 to Jul 18, a complete of 197, 901 vehicle people at BSI and 311, 130 vehicle and motorcycle people at KSAB have used the QR program.
The waiting period was reduced by between 70 % and 80 % thanks to the initiative.
” This number is expected to increase to further lessen congestion at the Malaysia-Singapore access place”, he said.
In the coming period, Mr. Saifuddin added that the use of the program may be made available to all travelers, including non-citizens and long-term complete holders as well as those traveling by car.