Govt rolls out high-speed immigration system with 5-second clearance at border checkpoints

THE Government is preparing to deploy a new integrated immigration system capable of clearing travellers in as little as four to five seconds, marking a significant shift in how border control is managed at the country’s entry points.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the Sistem Imigresen Bersepadu Nasional, or MyNIISe, would be fully operational nationwide by September, replacing the existing MyIMMs platform with a faster and more efficient alternative designed to enhance both security and passenger flow.

The system, which will be introduced in phases, enables clearance through three methods: facial recognition, QR code scanning and conventional passport verification, offering flexibility while reducing reliance on manual checks.

Speaking after a working visit to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 on Tuesday, he said early trials showed consistently rapid processing times.

“I saw earlier, the timing for the initial test subject was around four seconds, five seconds, which is reasonable.

“Then we asked another individual to try, and it was within roughly the same time range.

“So that is very significant because we do not want to continue facing airport congestion, whether at departure or arrival,” he said.

The move comes as Malaysia seeks to address long-standing congestion issues at major gateways, particularly during peak travel periods, with the new system expected to streamline passenger movement while maintaining robust security checks.

However, Saifuddin acknowledged that the transition from the legacy system could present temporary technical challenges as multiple components are upgraded simultaneously.

“I want to share with members of the media that during this transition phase there will certainly be some technical disruptions or glitches. We will try to minimise them as much as possible.

“This is because replacing the old MyIMMs system with the new MyNIISe involves three main components: the system, infrastructure and maintenance. So, in this transition process, there is potential for technical disruptions,” he said.

Alongside the technological upgrade, the government is also expanding manpower under the Malaysia Border Guard initiative to reinforce operations at key entry points.

Saifuddin said the Border Control and Protection Agency has been authorised to recruit up to 200 personnel this year, with the first intake already underway.

“The first intake involving 50 personnel has been completed, with placements currently being carried out at main entry points including Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Port Klang.

“At KLIA alone, 18 personnel from the first intake have already been deployed. The second intake is now ongoing,” he said.

The combined approach of digital modernisation and personnel expansion is expected to strengthen Malaysia’s border management framework while improving the overall travel experience for passengers entering and leaving the country. - May 5, 2026