PUTRAJAYA: The government is in the final stages of installing 40 new additional autogates at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminals 1 and 2 to alleviate congestion issues.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said today this initiative aligns with Malaysia's preparations as the host of the Asean Summit next year.
He also said Penang International Airport would be included in the autogate improvement efforts.
"We are in the final stages of adding 40 new autogate units for KLIA 1 and 2, to be used at both terminals, with plans for similar enhancements at Penang.
"Given the current high volume of international flights and media reports on airport congestion, these additions are necessary," he told reporters during a press conference at the Immigration Day celebration here.
Saifuddin added that his ministry, through the Immigration Department, had initiated discussions with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB).
"We have been in talks with MAHB to facilitate these additions, addressing spatial requirements and ensuring timely implementation to mitigate congestion."
Currently, both airports have 10 autogates each at the departure and arrival halls.
In another development, Saifuddin said the QR code system implemented in a pilot project at the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine Complex at Sultan Abu Bakar Complex in Gelang Patah, as well as for bus passengers at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar, had received positive feedback during the trial phase.
He said the pilot project significantly reduced processing times during peak hours.
"Since June, we have received a high demand, with 500,000 registrations recorded.
"We have managed to reduce waiting times by 70 to 80 per cent during the trial period."
However, when asked about the full deployment of the QR code system, he said the government had yet to decide, pending further progress during the trial phase.