KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 16): The government is in the process of finalising the procurement of an advanced passenger screening system (APSS), as part of its efforts to combat syndicates that allegedly bring in foreign workers illegally.
The APSS is an electronic data interchange system that requires airlines to provide information on passengers, crew members, and non-crew members to the authorities of the destination countries.
The system will allow the Immigration Department to perform preliminary screenings of travellers, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
“Even before they arrive, we already have access to their list, which allows us to conduct an initial inspection,” Saifuddin told the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday, during the oral question-and-answer session.
In September, it was reported that dozens of Immigration Department officers — including a senior officer — were arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in connection with what is called a “counter-setting” operation.
Counter-setting refers to the practice of allowing foreigners to enter the country without proper documents by using designated, predetermined lanes at entry points.
In addition to the procurement of the APSS, Saifuddin said the Immigration Department is also in the final phase of upgrading the CCTV camera system, equipped with audio and visual capabilities at the inspection counters.
As of October this year, the Immigration Department, in collaboration with various enforcement agencies, had busted 47 syndicates, resulting in the arrests of 1,285 syndicate members and illegal immigrants.
The Immigration Department had also issued “Not to Let” (NTL) notices to 25,214 foreigners as of September, Saifuddin noted.
“A special team patrols for suspicious travellers, and has successfully prevented 6,694 individuals from entering (the country) due to incomplete information, or lack of funds as of end-September,” Saifuddin added.