QR codes good, but Malaysian airports need more autogates, say experts

 

Immigration resources should be focused on cutting down on long tourist queues in the lead up to Visit Malaysia 2026, industry experts say. (KLIA Web pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Experts have lauded KLIA’s new QR code immigration clearance system but say more autogates are needed at all national entry points to speed up the process of admitting visitors into the country.

Speaking to FMT, Federation of Asean Travel Associations president Tan Kok Liang said the national focus should be on a “seamless clearance experience” for international tourists at all entry points.

Such an experience, he said, would depend on the introduction of many more automated gates and immigration counters.

“Resources should be focused on cutting down on long queues for tourists as we prepare for Visit Malaysia 2026, not just in (Terminal 1 and 2) of KLIA,” he said.

Tan Kok Liang.

Tan’s comments follow the system’s recent trial implementation at 40 special lanes set up for use by Malaysians at the arrival and departure halls of both KLIA Terminal 1 and 2.

Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said it should take users between five and seven seconds to clear immigration with this system, compared with 15 to 25 seconds using the conventional auto gates.

Immigration Services Union of Peninsular Malaysia president Ajeet Singh Gurbax Singh also called for an increase in auto gates at all airports, but said more officers should also be present to clear visitor lines.

“We should ensure all immigration counters have sufficient personnel, especially during peak season.

Ajeet Singh.

“While the QR code system is a commendable move, a multilayered approach that combines technology, infrastructure improvements and workforce management is important to overcome congestion at KLIA,” he told FMT.

Asked whether the QR code system could be expanded to include international visitors, Ajeet said it may not be enough to verify their identities, adding that biometric verification was essential to reduce error and fraud.

“This system must be capable of detecting and preventing the fraudulent use of QR codes,” he said.

The immigration department previously said that all foreign nationals other than Singaporeans using the autogates must submit a completed Malaysian digital arrival card and be checked against a watchlist and blacklist.

Entry information for foreign nationals will also be cross-checked against the biometric and facial recognition data in their passport chips. Anyone flagged during these checks will be referred to an immigration officer for further processing. - FMT