PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will introduce an automated biometric identification system at the country’s entry points in the third quarter of 2027 as part of efforts to tighten border security and curb immigration document fraud.
The Home Ministry said the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) would match travellers’ facial recognition data and other biometric information against immigration databases and watchlists in real time.
“The system will improve the accuracy of travellers’ identity verification, thereby reducing the risk of misuse of passports or forged travel documents,” it said in a written parliamentary reply today.
The ministry was responding to Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor (PN-Ketereh), who asked about its short- and long-term plans to address issues arising from the entry and presence of foreigners in Malaysia.
It said nearly 33.5 million foreign arrivals were recorded between Jan 1 and Sept 30 this year for various purposes, including employment, tourism, medical treatment, investment, business, education and participation in programmes such as the Premium Visa Programme and Malaysia My Second Home.
The ministry also identified four key issues requiring attention: the country’s dependence on low-skilled foreign workers, the prolonged presence of UNHCR cardholders and asylum seekers, the misuse of immigration passes and documents, and the entry and presence of undocumented migrants.
“To address the country’s reliance on foreign labour, the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) sets a target of reducing the number of foreign workers to 10 per cent of the total workforce, or about 1.78 million, by 2030.
“The ministry will continue to ensure that the number of active Temporary Employment Visit Passes (PLKS) does not exceed the annual foreign worker ceiling set by the government,” it said.
On refugees and asylum seekers, the ministry said it began implementing the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) programme on Jan 1 this year to manage their presence more systematically.
It added that the programme provides three possible outcomes for registered refugees: repatriation to their countries of origin when conditions permit, resettlement in a third country, or removal from Malaysia if they violate the country’s laws.
“Meanwhile, the Immigration Department conducted 10,419 enforcement operations nationwide between Jan 1 and Sept 30, resulting in the arrest of 37,503 undocumented migrants for various offences.”
The ministry said its broader strategy would strengthen immigration controls before, during and after foreigners enter Malaysia through technology upgrades, risk screening and continuous enforcement.
“The National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe), which will replace the existing MyIMMS system, is expected to be fully completed in 2028,” it said.
Based on a Zero Trust Architecture approach, the system will require travellers to register and have their identities verified before immigration clearance is granted.
The ministry said the system would strengthen cybersecurity and prevent leakages, with every access, transaction and approval recorded electronically to reduce the risk of unauthorised access and database manipulation.
“The Foreign Digital Identification (FDID) system will also be introduced under NIISe from Nov 1, beginning with long-term pass holders.
“It will assign each foreigner a unique digital identity by matching fingerprint, facial recognition and iris scan data with travel documents, visas, passes and movement records.”
The ministry said the system would help prevent identity fraud and enable enforcement agencies to monitor the presence and movements of foreigners more accurately.
“Meanwhile, the Advanced Passenger Screening System (APSS), introduced in 2025 with 10 airlines, will be expanded to another 10 airlines this year.”
The ministry said the system analyses passenger name records and advance passenger information before departure to identify high-risk travellers, suspected criminals and individuals on immigration blacklists before they arrive in Malaysia.
Foreign travellers are also required to submit their personal details, travel information and accommodation addresses through the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) system before arriving in the country, it said.
The ministry said the information would help enforcement agencies track foreigners during their stay and conduct targeted operations against those who overstay or breach the conditions of their passes.
From December this year, the ministry will gradually expand the use of autogates to all foreigners leaving Malaysia, with each departure recorded and verified electronically through biometric checks.
“The move is intended to reduce reliance on manual counters and curb weaknesses in immigration controls, including corruption and abuse of power involving counter setting, flying passports and manipulation of travellers’ movement records.”
The ministry also said it had terminated the Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) facility for short-term social visits by nationals requiring a visa to enter Malaysia, effective Sept 1 this year, to prevent foreigners from abusing repeated entries to work illegally, conduct unlawful business or overstay.
“Overall, the ministry’s new approach integrates stronger immigration policies, biometric-based digital profiling technology and continuous law enforcement,” it said.