KOTA BHARU, Feb 1 — The automated gates (autogates) and biometric systems, which will be fully implemented by 2028, will enhance the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for immigration checks at all national entry points, including Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complexes under the coordination of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS).
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the technology aims to enhance screening and identity verification efficiency, while improving immigration services to manage cross-border flows in a more orderly and systematic manner.
Manual inspection counters will continue to be provided as backup in the event of unforeseen technical disruptions, to ensure continuity of services is not affected.
“The installation of 635 autogates at 125 entry points nationwide by 2028 would reduce reliance on manual inspections by immigration officers,” he told Bernama recently.
Zakaria added that routine checks would then be managed through the technological system, allowing the Immigration Department to optimise its manpower for enforcement assignments and more challenging investigative duties.
Regarding concerns about a rise in attempts by undocumented migrants to enter via ungazetted routes along the borders of Kelantan, Perlis, and Kedah, he said the department’s focus is to ensure that screening systems at official entry points remain at the highest security level and are not easily exploited by syndicates.
The effectiveness of systems at official entry points indirectly supports other security agencies' efforts to monitor and curb activities along ungazetted routes, making it more difficult for syndicates to use valid travel documents as a disguise.
The Immigration Department also ensures that the systems used are highly resilient, including the ability to operate independently or offline in the event of network disruptions.
He said that physical control of national entry points was now under the coordination of AKPS, while his department focused on systems, screening, and immigration enforcement. Efforts to modernise immigration services will continue through the use of biometric systems such as the Automated Biometric Identification System and facial recognition systems.
A comprehensive digital approach will ensure that immigration services remain efficient, transparent, and well prepared, supported by local server infrastructure and stable central servers.
Commenting on allegations that officers suspected of involvement in migrant management syndicates were merely transferred without further action, Zakaria stressed that such claims are often misunderstood.
Transferring officers under investigation is an initial preventive measure to avoid any interference with internal investigations, including access to relevant documents or systems.
“This action is important to immediately halt any suspected activities, while also ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the investigation process,” he said.
Once internal investigations are complete, disciplinary proceedings will be carried out in accordance with the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, and, if criminal elements are found, legal action will be taken under existing provisions.
All Immigration personnel are required to declare their assets in line with Regulation 10 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, while officers are required to submit asset declarations annually under Administrative Directive No. 1/2021.
Monitoring of personnel is carried out continuously as a standard process through the Compliance Unit, in addition to follow-up actions by the Detection and Verification Unit of the Integrity Division against any officer reported to be living beyond their means.
“However, to date, no officer has been subjected to action for violations of Regulation 10 or the Administrative Directives issued as stipulated,” Zakaria said.
He noted that throughout 2025, 24 Immigration officers at several of the country’s main entry points, including the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex at Sultan Iskandar Building in Johor Bahru, the ICQS Complex in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas, Kelantan, and the Penang International Airport, were arrested for offences under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009.
