GEORGE TOWN: The autogate system at Penang International Airport (PIA) has been fully implemented, a move expected to enhance the efficiency of Immigration inspections and alleviate passenger congestion at departure and arrival halls.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the full rollout of the system proceeded smoothly since operations began at 6am on Thursday (Feb 12), showing a positive impact on passenger flow despite flight volumes remaining at usual levels.
"The user acceptance test was completed yesterday and starting today, the new autogate system fully opened to international visitors. From 6am to 3pm on Thursday, more than 1,800 passengers, comprising Malaysians and foreign tourists, utilised the facility for arrivals and departures," he said after conducting an inspection of the full implementation of the National Integrated Immigration System (MyNIISe) alongside airport management, the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), and the MyNIISe implementation team at the airport.
Wong said previously, congestion often occurred when passengers were forced to queue beyond the counter areas; however, observations today showed that waiting lines were significantly shorter and are now contained within the gazetted zones of both halls.
He added that for departures, foreign tourists from 72 countries are eligible to use the facility, while arrivals are open to visitors from 64 selected countries, as well as all Malaysian citizens.
"Passengers entering Malaysia for the first time or those facing technical issues, such as old passports or passports with damaged chips, must undergo manual processing at the immigration counters to record their biometric data," he said.
Currently, he said there are five autogate units at the departure hall and six at the arrival hall, with plans for a second phase this year to increase the number of units in each section to 12.
Wong added that the full implementation of the MyNIISe system is timely, ahead of the peak festive seasons of Chinese New Year, Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which are expected to see an influx of tourists to Penang.
On Feb 7, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that congestion issues at PIA required urgent attention to ensure smooth passenger management and maintain the state's image as a premier tourist destination.
Chow had attributed the previous congestion to the new system being in an adjustment phase, coupled with the arrival of several flights in close succession, particularly from China. – Bernama
