Photo by Low Yen Yeing/The Edge

PUTRAJAYA (July 22): The Home Ministry through the Immigration Department will increase the number of new automatic gate systems (autogates) at Terminals 1 and 2 of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and the Penang International Airport, in order to overcome congestion at the country's entry points.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said as many as 40 new autogates were added at KLIA Terminals 1 and 2, making the total number 80, while the number of such additional facilities in Penang is being identified.

He said the move is in line with Malaysia's preparations as the Asean chair in 2025, and Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

"The arrival of an international plane gets media coverage when congestion occurs. So, we have negotiated with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd or MAHB (KL:AIRPORT) for additional autogates, and we need more space.

"Home Ministry secretary general Datuk 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," the minister said at a press conference after the 2024 Immigration Day parade here on Monday.

Previously, Saifuddin had announced that visitors from another 36 low-risk countries would be allowed to use the autogates at all entry points in the country with the facilities, effective from June 1.

This includes all European Union countries, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, China, Canada, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Meanwhile, the minister said the use of the quick response (QR) code system at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex of the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) and the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) in Johor was well received by users.

From June 1 to July 18, a total of 197,901 bus passengers at the BSI, and 311,130 bus and motorcycle passengers at the KSAB used the QR system.

"The initiative has succeeded in reducing the waiting period by between 70% and 80%.

"This number is expected to increase to further reduce congestion at the Malaysia-Singapore entry points," 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.