The Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) is set to increase the number of automatic gate systems (autogates) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA Terminals 1 and 2) and Penang International Airport to address congestion at these key entry points.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution announced that 40 new autogates have been added at KLIA Terminals 1 and 2, bringing the total to 80. Additional facilities for Penang are currently being identified.
This expansion aligns with Malaysia’s preparations for its role as ASEAN Chairman in 2025 and the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Saifuddin explained, “Now the arrival of an international plane gets media coverage when congestion occurs. So we have negotiated with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) for additional autogates and we need more space.”
The procurement process will be managed by KDN secretary-general Datuk Ruji Ubi, with time being of the essence due to Malaysia’s impending ASEAN Chairmanship.
From June 1, 2024, visitors from an additional 36 low-risk countries will be permitted to use the autogate facility at all entry points equipped with the system. This includes all European Union countries, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, China, Canada, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Saifuddin also reported on the success of the Quick Response Code (QR) system implemented at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (CIQ) of Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) in Johor. Between June 1 and July 18, 197,901 bus passengers at BSI and 311,130 bus and motorcycle passengers at KSAB have utilised the QR system.
“The initiative has succeeded in reducing the waiting period by between 70 and 80 per cent,” Saifuddin noted. He added that the system’s use is expected to increase further, helping to alleviate congestion at the Malaysia-Singapore entry point.
In the next phase, the QR system will be extended to all travellers, including non-citizens and long-term pass holders, as well as those travelling by car.
These measures represent significant steps towards improving efficiency and reducing congestion at Malaysia’s key entry points, particularly as the country prepares for increased visitor numbers in the coming years.
