KUALA LUMPUR – Foreign travellers from certain low-risk countries will soon be allowed to use the automated entry system (autogate) at KLIA as the government looks to mitigate the long queues at the country’s main entry point.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told the Dewan Rakyat that the move is a “quick win solution” that is hoped to ease congestion at the airport, with the government also working on other fixes.
He stopped short of giving more details on the matter, saying an official announcement is expected to be made later this evening when he pays a visit to KLIA.
“I understand that entry points should be managed properly without any compromise. I also admit that the problem (congestion) truly exists, and we are working on solutions,” he said today.
“We will announce several measures (soon). For instance, I will announce later this evening the opening of all auto gates at KLIA for foreigners, especially from low-risk countries like Singapore, Brunei, New Zealand and G7 nations.”
The countries in the G7 are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.
At present, the use of auto gates is only authorised for Malaysian citizens and foreigners who hold a long-term visit pass here.
Saifuddin was asked by Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (Tumpat-PN) whether the government is aware of the congestion at the country’s entry points, noting how some individuals are forced to stay in line for three hours to get through the immigration counter.
According to the home minister, the congestion at KLIA has been determined to take place between 3pm and 11pm each day, during the peak arrival period for incoming flights.
He said during this period, the gap between arrivals for wide-body aircraft is only at a mere three to four minutes, making the immigration process slower.
Regardless, Saifuddin said the government views the matter seriously and will do its best to address the issue.
“We, in particular the Immigration Department, are really concerned by the congestion issue at our entry points, especially KLIA. I won’t be in denial syndrome and give any excuses,” he said. – The Vibes, February 27, 2023
