KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is on track to implement the Advanced Passenger Screening System (APSS), a state-of-the-art security framework designed to strengthen aviation safety and border control, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic).
The Home Minister said the system, introduced globally after the 9/11 attacks, requires airlines to provide passenger information in advance of travel. It is overseen by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), with compliance mandatory for all countries and carriers.
"Vendor procurement has been completed and system development is now underway.
"A trial run is expected between September and October this year, involving the first 10 of 56 airlines operating in Malaysia," he told reporters after officiating the "Benteng Persada" initiative by the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) at the KL International Airport (KLIA) on Tuesday (Aug 26).
The APSS will capture key passenger details such as names, passport numbers, seat assignments, and meal preferences, Saifuddin said.
"The system will allow for pre-departure security screening, reducing risks of incidents and making mitigation measures more effective," he added.
As of July, a total of 17,658 foreigners were issued Not-To-Land (NTL) notices with 13,790 cases recorded at KLIA alone, he said.
"In the same period, contraband and prohibited goods worth RM1.9mil were seized at entry points," he added.
Saifuddin said the AKPS currently has 5,180 personnel, and efforts are being made with the Public Service Department (JPA) to establish a new dedicated service scheme.
"This move is expected to enhance AKPS’ operational and management capacity as a single border control agency," he said.
On another matter, Saifuddin said progress is also being made on the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which will feature co-located CIQ complexes at Bukit Cagar and Singapore’s Woodlands North.
"Scheduled to begin operations in January 2027, the RTS will see AKPS serving as the lead frontliner agency at both stations.
"Preparations are ongoing, including drafting standard operating procedures, ensuring staff welfare, and procuring equipment such as autogates and scanners.
"A new Bill to support these initiatives will be tabled in Parliament in February next year," he said.
"If new laws are not created, we need to amend 37 existing laws, each with interconnected provisions. Therefore, the best option is to introduce a new law that consolidates all requirements.
"We only have a 'window' in the February parliamentary session next year to table it," he also told Bernama.
Saifuddin said since Feb 1, the AKPS has taken over operations at 21 entry points nationwide, with plans to expand progressively.
"By January next year, all 123 official entry points across Malaysia are expected to be fully managed under AKPS," he said.
Among those who attended the event were AKPS director-general Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain and other Home Ministry high ranking officers.
