PETALING JAYA: An automated biometric identification system will be introduced at the country’s entry points in the third quarter of next year, says the Home Ministry.
"The system will match data on a traveller (for) facial recognition and biometric (identification) in real time against the immigration database and watchlist," it said in a written parliamentary reply on Friday (Oct 16).
Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor (PN-Ketereh) wanted to know the ministry’s short- and long-term plans to address the influx of foreign nationals.
From December, the ministry said, the use of auto gates by foreign travellers leaving the country would be expanded.
"Each (exit) will be recorded and verified electronically through biometric verification without having to pass through manual counters.
"This will curb and reduce the risk of weaknesses in the immigration system, specifically corruption and abuse of power including counter setting and manipulating traveller records, among others," it added.
The ministry also said more than 37,000 undocumented migrants were detained for various offences between January and September.
This figure was achieved by the Immigration Department across 10,419 operations, it added.
During the same period, almost 33.5 million arrivals of foreign nationals were recorded, it added.
The ministry said various measures have been taken to implement comprehensive immigration control strategies.
They include developing the National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe), introducing the Foreign Digital Identification System under NIISe beginning with long-term pass holders from Nov 1, as well as the Advanced Passenger Screening System which added 10 more airlines this year.
It also said all foreigners are required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card with their personal details, travel details and their address in the country prior to arrival.
These integrated measures aim to strengthen policy controls, curb the misuse of immigration passes, and address the entry and presence of undocumented migrants, the ministry added.
