New immigration and passport bills propose mandatory biometric data submission and automated system use for all entry points, including rail.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Passports (Amendment) Bill 2025 were tabled for their first reading in the Dewan Rakyat.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said their second and third readings are scheduled for the current parliamentary session.
The amendment to the Immigration Act 1959/63 aims to introduce new provisions concerning the use of an automated system. It also seeks to control individuals entering or leaving Malaysia via rail services.
Clause 6 of the Bill seeks to insert a new Section 22A, which would stipulate that any person must submit their personal identifiers and biometric data before entry into Malaysia.
It also grants immigration officers the authority to prevent entry if a person refuses to submit this data.
Clause 7 stipulates an amendment to Section 24 of Act 155. It prescribes that any individual arriving by sea or air must undergo an immigration inspection by an officer or via an automated system before being granted entry.
Clause 8 amends Section 26 of the same Act. It provides that any person arriving by land must be subject to inspection by an immigration officer or via an automated system.
The Passports (Amendment) Bill 2025 seeks to amend the Passports Act 1966 as a direct consequence of changes to the Immigration Act.
These changes mandate inspection for all persons entering or leaving Malaysia, either by an immigration officer or via an automated system.
