Automated gates and biometric systems will be fully operational at all national entry points by 2028 to enhance immigration screening and border security.
KOTA BHARU: The Immigration Department will fully implement automated gates and biometric systems at all national entry points by 2028.
Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the technology aims to enhance screening efficiency and identity verification, improving the management of cross-border movements.
A total of 635 autogates will be installed at 125 entry points nationwide by the target year.
This will reduce reliance on manual inspections by immigration officers.
Routine checks will then be managed via the technological system, allowing manpower to be optimised for enforcement and investigative duties.
Manual inspection counters will continue to be provided as backup in case of technical disruptions to ensure service continuity.
Zakaria said the department ensures its systems are highly resilient, with the capability to operate in offline mode during network disruptions.
He explained that physical control of national entry points is now coordinated by the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency.
The Immigration Department’s role focuses on systems, screening and enforcement.
The comprehensive digital approach will ensure immigration services remain efficient and transparent, supported by local and central server infrastructure.
On border security, Zakaria said the department’s focus is maintaining the highest security level at official entry points.
This makes it more difficult for syndicates to exploit the system.
Effective systems at official points indirectly support other security agencies in monitoring ungazetted routes, he added.
Commenting on officer misconduct, Zakaria stressed that transferring officers under investigation is an initial preventive measure.
It avoids interference with internal probes.
“Once internal investigations are completed, disciplinary proceedings will be carried out,” he said.
If criminal elements are found, legal action will be taken under existing provisions.
All immigration personnel are required to declare their assets annually.
Monitoring of personnel is carried out continuously through the Compliance Unit and the Integrity Division.
“To date, no officer has been subjected to action for violations of Regulation 10 or the Administrative Directives issued as stipulated,” Zakaria said.
Throughout 2025, a total of 24 immigration officers at several main entry points were arrested for offences under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009.
