Kuala lumpur: The Dewan Rakyat today passed the Immigration (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Passports (Amendment) Bill 2025. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah announced that the implementation of the Advance Passenger Screening System (APSS) and the integration of biometric data will allow the government to screen travelers 72 hours before they arrive in Malaysia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, these measures align with international security standards and are crucial for ensuring that Malaysia’s border control adapts to emerging threats. Dr Shamsul noted that the APSS would minimize counter-setting issues and streamline processes that require human interaction. The data collected will be used solely for immigration purposes and will comply with the Personal Data Protection Act and the Official Secrets Act, as stated during the debate on the Immigration (Amendment) Bill 2025.

The bills aim to introduce new provisions for automated systems and regulate the entry and exit of individuals by train. Additionally, the Passports (Amendment) Bill 2025 is designed to complement the Immigration (Amendment) Bill 2025 by facilitating and expediting immigration processes through biometric identification, automated gates, and QR codes, all while maintaining national security.

The amendments are also intended to enhance service quality, bolster data and officer integrity, and alleviate congestion at immigration counters. Clause 2 specifically addresses changes to the Immigration Act 1959/63 [Act 155], mandating that every person entering or leaving Malaysia undergo examination by an immigration officer or through an automated system.