KLIA to Implement Advanced Screening and Autogates by Year-End to Tackle Illegal Entry, Says Home Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 — The government plans to introduce an advanced passenger screening system by year-end to curb illegal entries at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told the Dewan Rakyat today.

As reported by Free Malaysia Today, Saifuddin said the initial phase would involve 10 out of the 56 airlines operating in Malaysia, enabling immigration authorities to access passenger information prior to arrival.

“The implementation of autogates will reduce human interaction, as all entry and exit processes will be fully digital, eliminating the need for officer discretion,” he was quoted as saying.

He added that the adoption of digital immigration systems would help minimise opportunities for abuse.

A total of 635 autogates are expected to be installed across 123 entry points nationwide.

The first phase, scheduled to begin in December, will cover major hubs including KLIA Terminals 1 and 2, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, and Penang International Airports, as well as the Sultan Iskandar Building and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex in Johor Bahru.

According to Saifuddin, the autogates will utilise biometric verification such as facial recognition, iris scans, and thumbprints to reduce the risk of system manipulation.

The ministry is also piloting the use of body-worn cameras for immigration officers at selected entry points, including KLIA. A procurement plan for 614 units is expected to proceed next month, subject to approval.

Saifuddin emphasised that the new initiatives are part of broader efforts to address misconduct among enforcement personnel.

He noted that 26 KLIA officers were dismissed last year for being part of a syndicate that facilitated unauthorised immigration clearances.

“There is no room in the Home Ministry for officers who lack integrity. We uphold zero tolerance for such misconduct,” he said.