PUTRAJAYA: Malaysians travelling abroad have several means to clear immigration as the use of the National Integrated Immigration System (MyNIISe) app is not mandatory for now.
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said travellers currently still have several options to clear immigration at entry and exit points, such as the physical passport and via the MyBorderPass.
“We announced previously that starting Jan 15, all MyNIISe registrations will use MyDigital ID.
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“However, in terms of using MyNIISe itself, it is not mandatory at the moment.
“To pass through the autogates, it is not only via QR codes. Passports can still be used and passport scans remain available.
“If a traveller does not have the app, they can still use their physical passport and pass through the autogate. The public does not need to worry,” he told reporters after his New Year address yesterday.
Zakaria added that during the transition period, users can still utilise the MyBorderPass app.
He said the implementation of MyNIISe began as a pilot project at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) and Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar in Johor Baru.
The government had earlier said MyNIISe that uses QR codes to facilitate immigration clearance is designed to consolidate immigration processes under one platform while enhancing security and efficiency, replacing older applications such as MyBorderPass over time.
Zakaria stressed that immigration services must be fast and efficient, adding that the digitalisation of services through NIISe, the implementation of the Advanced Passenger Screening System (APSS), the use of autogates and the digital Queue Management System (QMS) are expected to enhance overall service efficiency.
He said the Immigration Department’s artificial intelligence and digitalisation agenda must continue to be strengthened, while the implementation of NIISe should be closely monitored to ensure the modules developed are not only functional, but effective in addressing daily operational challenges.
Meanwhile, the Home Ministry, in a statement, also stressed that Malaysians who have begun using the MyNIISe app could register for a MyDigital ID by Jan 15 and use MyNIISe for immigration clearance at the BSI and Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar.
“After Jan 15, travellers without MyNIISe will still have alternative options for border clearance, including using the MyBorderPass autogate, the regular autogate via passport scanning, or manual checks at immigration counters.
“For new users who begin using the MyNIISe app after Jan 15, registration for a MyDigital ID will be mandatory.
“Existing users may continue logging into MyNIISe using current methods during the trial period, which runs until Feb 28, to register for or renew their MyDigital ID,” said the ministry.
It added that the use of MyDigital ID will allow users to access additional MyNIISe features to be introduced after the trial period ends on Feb 28.
The use of the system will also be expanded in stages to major airports, including Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, as well as the international airports of Bayan Lepas (Penang), Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.
MyDigital ID functions as a digital security key for logging into the MyNIISe app and it does not store personal data, as it is used solely to verify a user’s identity accurately through the National Registration Department’s database.
It also ensures only legitimate identity holders can access MyNIISe, helping to prevent digital identity fraud, while providing a secure and trusted login process to support the phased implementation of Malaysia’s digital immigration services.
