KUALA LUMPUR: The Quick Response (QR) code-based Immigration clearance system is a move in the right direction that could ease congestion at entry points and enhance security, say experts.
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia defence and security expert Professor Dr Mohd Mizan Mohammad Aslam said the clearance system was the first step towards creating a holistic regional system in easing congestion and travel in the Asean region.
He said the decision to implement the QR code clearance system would see Malaysia being one of the first few countries to adopt the technology.
"We're supposed to have that kind of mechanism and paradigm shift a long time ago, but our mindset is still imprisoned for so long where we don't want change," he said.
"If we look at Europe, they have the Schengen visa, where if you go to one country in Europe, you can go to any country on the continent. This is also the case with the Gulf Cooperation Council visa in the Middle East.
"So, this idea is the first step towards creating a holistic regional system and we are start-ing to do it at the Johor-Singapore border, which is a good move.
"We can look into sharing our information and technology. Asean needs to look into this and move forward so that we are not left behind."
In Putrajaya earlier, Immigration Department director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the department was conducting tests on the use of the QR code Immigration clearance system to ease congestion at entry points.
He said an announcement on the details of the QR code Immigration clearance system would be announced by the Home Ministry in due time.
"One of the things that we are looking into (to ease congestion at entry points) is the use of QR codes," he said.
"We are exploring. We have conducted studies and are currently conducting tests now.
"It is still in its early stages and has yet to be implemented but the details will be announced by the Home Ministry."
Ruslin emphasised that the department's foremost priority was to cultivate a system that prioritised speed without compromising the nation's security.
Last month, it was reported that Johor Works, Transportation, Infrastructure and Communication Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the clearance system's trial run, which begins next month, would kick off with passengers' immigration inspections done on board factory buses.
Fazli said the Home Ministry had decided on the "officers-on-board" method for land checkpoints at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex in Bangunan Sultan Iskandar in Johor Baru and the Second Link's Sultan Abu Bakar Complex in Gelang Patah.
An average of 400 to 500 factory buses cross the Johor-Singapore land checkpoints daily.
The system will be rolled out in phases, with Johor being the first state in the country to implement the system at its international checkpoints, widely acknowledged as the world's busiest land crossing.
Mizan said one should not be too concerned about security breaches as the Immigration Department would have conducted proper research and study.
"I do believe this idea has been debated for a certain period of time and they already see some of the risks and consequences. We have to believe in our enforcement agencies.
"If we don't embark on new ideas, we will remain as we are now for years," he said, adding that periodic reviews were necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the system.
Transport expert Wan Md Hazlin Agyl Wan Hassan said the proposed QR code Immigration clearance system at Johor's land border checkpoints was a promising solution that could significantly ease congestion and enhance security, drawing on successful global implementations like the ones in Singapore and South Korea.
He said the system integrated advanced features, including biometrics, real-time data syncing, multi-factor authentication and automated kiosks, which would collectively speed up processing and ensure robust security.
"The key to the success of the QR code system will be implementing best practices like rigorous encryption, continuous monitoring, regular security updates and ensuring the system's scalability," he said.
"Public acceptance is critical, necessitating widespread education and transparent data handling to build trust."