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KUALA LUMPUR: The Advance Passenger Screening System (APSS) will be implemented in December to strengthen immigration control and prevent high-risk foreign visitors from entering the country, says Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.
He said the system would enable authorities to carry out preliminary screening and risk assessments of foreign travellers before they arrive.
"Through this system, we can ensure that only individuals who pose no security risk are allowed entry," he told the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Oct 27).
Manndzri Nasib (BN-Tenggara) had asked about measures to tighten border security and prevent misuse of long-term visas.
Shamsul Anuar said the APSS is expected to enhance enforcement by improving early detection of high-risk foreigners and reducing the abuse of social visit passes and long-term visa facilities.
Mohd Hasnizan Harun (PN-Hulu Selangor) also asked about monitoring and enforcement measures to ensure that foreigners granted long-term visas or participating in the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme comply with the law and do not engage in activities that threaten public safety.
Shamsul Anuar said MM2H is carried out under the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) through a centralised security system that integrates data from various agencies.
"All relevant information and applicant details are recorded in Motac’s database, which is linked to the Immigration Department’s MyIMMS system to ensure data integrity and compliance with national security requirements," he said.
Only agents registered with Motac are authorised to handle MM2H applications. Applicants must also undergo background checks by the Royal Malaysia Police before approval is granted.
Shamsul Anuar said participants are required to obtain clearance from Motac before any fixed deposit or property purchase under the programme is permitted.
"This strict control is crucial to ensure that MM2H is operated responsibly and does not compromise national security, even though it contributes positively to the economy," he said.
He added that his ministry, through the Immigration Department, also conducts early screening of all foreign visitors via the MyVisa and Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) systems.
Under MyVisa, security vetting and risk assessments are carried out before a visa is approved by Malaysian missions abroad. Meanwhile, the MDAC must be completed at least three days before arrival to allow the Immigration Department to assess the visitor’s purpose of entry.
"All travellers will undergo the standard immigration inspection process at entry points, including autogate and manual counters, to verify their documents, accommodation and financial capacity," he said.
He said all long-term pass applications, including for MM2H, must undergo police and inter-agency security screening to detect criminal records, extremist links, or organised crime elements.
"Applicants are also required to submit a Letter of Good Conduct from enforcement authorities in their home country as proof of good behaviour and a clean record," he added.
He said long-term passes are valid for a maximum of five years, not for life. Renewals will be reassessed, and applications may be rejected if security risks or negative records are found.
"The Immigration director-general also has full authority to revoke any long-term pass, including MM2H, if the holder violates the terms or engages in activities that threaten national security," he said.
Shamsul Anuar stressed that while long-term visa schemes bring economic benefits, the government will not compromise on national security and public order.
