PETALING JAYA: Frequent travellers who have grown accustomed to the speed and convenience of MyBorderPass say MyNIISe (National Integrated Immigration System) must not merely replace what is already working well.
While many welcome the government’s push to modernise border clearance through a single integrated platform, travellers say MyNIISe will be judged against MyBorderPass, which they regard as fast, intuitive and hassle-free.
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They also called for stronger data security, clearer guidance and inclusive access for less tech-savvy users as the new system gradually takes centre stage.
Social activist and Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the application could be a major step forward if implemented carefully.
“With greater enhancements, I believe MyNIISe will be an advantage in facilitating cross-border immigration procedures swiftly and safely.”
Lam Thye, however, cautioned that mandatory digital systems could pose challenges for certain groups such as the digitally illiterate and those less familiar with such technology.
“More awareness and digital literacy programmes should be provided to those who need guidance on how to use MyNIISe,” he told The Star.
Lam Thye also noted that MyBorderPass has gained popularity among travellers while MyNIISe remains relatively unfamiliar.
Service engineer Damon Law, 51, from Ipoh, said he understands that cybersecurity and technological advancements mean systems need to be updated periodically.
He added that the government should allow more time, flexibility and education during the transition, especially for frequent travellers.
“I hope only competent companies are awarded such an important contract so taxpayers’ money is not wasted,” said Law.
Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce’s Melaka branch chairman Datuk Shaun Lee Chong Leng said MyBorderPass has set a high benchmark for any new immigration application, describing it as both efficient and user-friendly.
“I really enjoy using MyBorderPass, it’s super easy and intuitive. I don’t even need to take out my passport, and even my 11-year-old can use it on her own.”
Shaun said the success of MyBorderPass has demonstrated Malaysia’s technological capability on the global stage.
However, he added that although he has downloaded the MyNIISe app, he has yet to complete the setup process.
“This system is the first window travellers see when they step onto Malaysian soil, so it needs to be fast, reliable and secure,” he added.
Tax expert Datuk Koong Lin Loong questioned why MyBorderPass has to be changed when it is good and user-friendly, calling for better planning.
“If the aim is to bring everything under one platform, it should have been planned earlier instead of shifting around facilities.”
The requirement for MyDigital ID as the sole login method for MyNIISe has also drawn mixed reactions.
Businessman Kamarul Shah, from Shah Alam, said he faced difficulties completing the MyDigital ID registration through the app and would need to visit an Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) for assistance.
“If I don’t manage to sort it out in time, I’ll just use the e-gate or go through the counter for now,” he said, calling for the conventional clearance methods to remain available for all.
“I hope the government won’t do away with or reduce traditional counters, so travellers who are not tech-savvy still have an option.”
Senior sales executive Elena Henry questioned its use for families.
“I’m just wondering, would my kids who don’t have phones be able to clear immigration together with me?” Elena said, adding that she heard that minors could be registered under the app’s Group Members feature.
Meanwhile in Johor Baru, a Malaysian identified only as Lim, 33, who has been using MyNIISe since its trial launch last September to travel to Singapore daily for work through the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex, said the system is not as seamless as intended.
She said it is a hassle to log in every time she uses the application.
“Secondly, even though the QR code is valid for 300 minutes, it is not very practical as you cannot take a screencap of it.
“The application logs me out automatically if it is idle for 10 to 15 minutes,” Lim said.
“I have also tried using the MyNIISe counters, but the machines were removed and I was told that only passports can be used to clear the counters.
“This platform is meant to ensure smooth traffic flow, but the QR code is only usable at selected lanes and counters.
“This platform is meant to ensure smooth traffic flow, but the QR code is only usable at selected lanes and counters.”
Bicycle seller Tan Eng Kok, 57, who travels to Singapore once or twice a month for leisure, is unaware of the impending system as he has seen no advertisements for it.
“I will use my passport whenever I cross the border. If passports can no longer be used, then only will I try the application.”
A survey at JB Sentral and the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) found no visible advertisements or public guidance regarding the implementation of MyDigital ID.
Currently, BSI has four MyNIISe readers at the bus halls along with separate readers for car and motorcycle lanes.
