Malaysia studying UK's screening system before implementing APSS

LONDON: In preparing for the implementation of the data analysis screening system by the Immigration Department for the entry of air passengers into the country, Malaysia is looking at a similar system being used in the United Kingdom (UK) at Manchester.
The UK's experience in operating the Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems will be studied before Malaysia itself introduces a screening system known as the Advanced Passenger Screening System (APSS).
The introduction and implementation of the APSS is also a precondition for Malaysia in joining the United States' Visa Waiver Programme, which will enable Malaysians to travel to the US without a visa.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who is on a four-day visit to the UK, had on Tuesday led a Malaysian delegation on a tour of the National Border Tracking Centre (NBTC), which carries out monitoring and screening using the API and PNR systems for passengers on all international routes.
Speaking to Malaysian reporters here, Ahmad Zahid who is also Home Minister, said to date, the NBTC had processed 427 million API data and 55 million PNR data for air passengers entering and leaving the UK.
He said the two systems were more efficient and saved time as no physical inspections were required for passengers.
"The screening using the API and PNR data also helps to curb and combat cross-border criminal activities at the entry/exit checkpoints.
"I had visited such a centre in the United States, that is, the National Targeting Centre (NTC) in Washington, last year.
"The APSS will connect data to the Department of Civil Aviation and airline companies, and the system will be implemented soon after Malaysia signs the Preventing and Combating Serious Crime (PCSC) Agreement with the US in Kuala Lumpur," he said.
The agreement is scheduled to be signed between Malaysia and the US when President Barack Obama visits Malaysia for the Asean Summit in the third week of this month.
The PCSC agreement is the last requirement for Malaysia in joining the VWP.
Malaysia had already signed the Homeland Security Presidential Directive No 6 (HSPD-6), an agreement which is also required for the VWP.
Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia needed to study screening systems, such as the API and PNR in the UK, to also ensure national security and it should be implemented together with the National Immigration Control System (SKIN).
In Manchester, the deputy prime minister and his delegation also visited the Greater Manchester police headquarters to look at its community policing programme in efforts to combat terrorism.
The UK government, he said, emphasised on the aspects of preventing and combating terrorism following the tragic bombing incident in London on June 7, 2005.
"Malaysia could emulate the measures taken by the UK authorities, especially in the area of smart partnership between the police and community.
'This is because the Royal Malaysian Police had started such an initiative in combating street snatch thefts, and this could be expanded to fighting terrorism," said Ahmad Zahid. – Bernama