KUALA LUMPUR: The Advance Passenger Screening System (APSS) will be implemented this December aimed at strengthening immigration control to prevent high-risk foreign visitors from entering the country, says Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.
The Deputy Home Minister said that the APSS will allow authorities here to vet travellers even before they arrive in the country.
“Through this system, initial checks on foreign visitors can be done before they reach our shores to ensure that only individuals who pose no security risk are allowed entry,” he said when responding to Manndzri Nasib (BN-Tenggara) who wanted to know measures to tighten border security.
He said APSS is expected to improve the Immigration Department’s ability to detect high-risk travellers in advance to reduce the risk of abuses involving long-term social visit passes and other visa facilities.
The Home Ministry, through the Immigration Department, also conducts early screening on all foreign visitors via the MyVisa and Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) systems, he added.
Under MyVisa, security checks and risk assessments are carried out before a visa is approved by Malaysian missions abroad, while travellers must complete the MDAC at least three days before arrival.
“This allows immigration authorities to record and assess the actual purpose of their visit,” he said.
Upon arrival, visitors will go through the usual checks at autogates or manual counters, where officers verify travel documents, visa validity, accommodation details and financial capability, added Shamsul.
“These measures ensure that only qualified visitors enter the country and that they comply with Malaysia’s safety and immigration requirements,” he said.
He also added that continuous enforcement and monitoring would be carried out to maintain the nation’s border security.
