KUALA LUMPUR: Technologies like Dynamic Quick-Response (QR) codes should be explored for the full enforcement of Vehicle Entry Permits (VEP) at the Singapore-Johor border.
Transport consultant Wan Agyl Wan Hassan said current systems in place need to be upgraded to ensure efficiency and reliability in securing the country's borders.
Speaking on the New Straits Times' Beyond the Headlines podcast, Agyl highlighted that a straightforward, tested solution like QR codes used for immigration clearance at Johor's Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (CIQS) checkpoints remains the best approach.
"The main task is to improve our efforts to ensure the southern border is fully operational, and every vehicle is registered using our system," he said.
"We can explore technologies like QR codes and there's been discussion about using QR codes as a solution. So, it's crucial to gather and analyse data carefully when considering new technology."
Agyl stressed the importance of a solution that provides sufficient data for managing border control.
He said that a system that fails to deliver adequate data complicates monitoring people's movement at our borders.
The answer to this, he noted, could be in the form of Dynamic QR codes, the most advanced version of QR code technology.
"I'm aware of a solution called Dynamic QR. It will allow you to have a fixed data set by the government that will not allow other people to temper it, so that you have the information of the user, the charges that you charge, and maybe even the licence plate numbers.
"You could also track the origin of the journey… I mean, you can design the whole data set that you want from that particular transaction which the standard QR codes cannot do.
"Sometimes when you go for the standard QR, there is data which is not available and then you come to the backend of data management, there's missing data.
"So you will not be able to capture most of the data using your standard QR codes."
Agyl added that based on talks with technology providers, the standard QR code technology is still lacking. It will only hold certain amounts of data or certain types of data.
While the Dynamic QR technology can resolve this, it is still new and limited in the market. But issuing a request for proposal (RFP) to explore available solutions could give a breakthrough.
"We can call for an RFP and evaluate the solutions presented. Running it together with VEPs can offer more technological options for border management."
Reflecting on implementing new technology use, Agyl also touched on the challenges faced with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in road toll fee collection systems.
He said that congestion issues when the RFIDs fail to function properly is down to coordinating many "moving parts" that are required for it to work effectively. It is not just the operator that should be assigned blame.
"It's not just about blaming Touch 'n Go or toll operators. Multiple factors contribute to inefficiencies, such as installation responsibilities and internet bandwidth requirements. These lessons should inform our approach to new border technologies."
For this, Agyl underscored the need for a single responsible entity for system installations to avoid similar complications at the border.
"Learning from the RFID implementation, having one responsible party for technology installations at our borders is crucial. If we apply these lessons, implementing dynamic QR codes and enhancing our border security should be achievable."