KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department will work closely with the system provider for the special online pass (eSP) to ensure its smooth rollout next year.
Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the introduction of the online pass would also help ease over-the-counter dealings at their offices nationwide.
"Currently, applicants must be physically present at Immigration counters in order to apply for the special passes.
"Once the platform is operational in January, this process can be done online," he told the New Straits Times.
He said the platform was currently being tested to ensure its smooth introduction come January next year.
"We will also be working closely with the system provider should any potential issues arise. This is so we can find solutions quickly and without affecting users," he said.
It was reported that the Immigration Department would introduce the eSP for foreign nationals wishing to enter and stay in Malaysia for no more than 30 days, effective from January next year.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail was quoted saying that this initiative was part of the government's efforts to digitalise and enhance administrative efficiency.
This special pass is a document issued to foreign nationals, granting them the right to enter and stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days under Regulation 14 of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
Currently, the application and issuance of special passes are done manually, where applicants must visit counters and submit physical documents.
About 50 per cent of foreign nationals who visit the Immigration Office are dealing with matters related to their stay in Malaysia, causing congestion at the Visa, Pass, and Permit Division.
In 2023, 139,344 special passes were issued, while as of October this year, 119,019 special passes have been issued to foreign nationals.
The eSP platform will manage the status of holders of Long-Term Social Visit Passes (PLS) and Professional Visit Passes (PLIK) who have valid passes.