KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Immigration Department has announced the extension of the auto gate facility to visitors from an additional 53 countries, according to Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah. This facility, which expedites immigration clearance, now includes travelers from 26 European Union (EU) countries, 17 other European nations, six Arab countries, and four additional countries: Canada, Hong Kong, China, and Taiwan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this brings the total number of countries benefiting from the auto gate facility to 60. Dr Shamsul Anuar shared this update during a question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat, responding to RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong), who inquired about government efforts to enhance services and increase the number of automatic passport scanning machines for foreign tourists entering Malaysia.
Previously, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail highlighted that the facility aims to streamline entry checks, speeding up the process wi
thout compromising security, thereby alleviating congestion at entry points.
Dr Shamsul Anuar noted that there are currently 1,568 automatic passport scanning machines in operation at Malaysia’s exit points. Additionally, the Home Ministry is exploring a more efficient system involving quick response (QR) codes at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to further expedite immigration checks.
The proposed system would allow travelers to scan a QR code containing their personal and travel information, reducing wait times at immigration counters. This technology is expected to improve security measures and alleviate congestion during peak travel times.
Plans are in place to extend the QR code system to other appropriate entry points, including international airports and land and sea checkpoints. The integrated system aims to enhance immigration management efficiency while minimizing the risk of corruption and misuse of power at immigration counters.
On November 18, Saifuddin Nasution announced plans to ex
pand the use of QR codes for immigration clearance at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) and the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) in Johor, facilitating travel to and from Singapore across all types of transport from next year.