PUTRAJAYA: Starting June 1, travellers from 36 low-risk countries entering Malaysia will be able to use their passports to enter the country through the autogate system, including at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) terminals 1 and 2.
Home Minister Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said this was to address the congestion and long wait for immigration clearance.
Among the 36 countries were all European Union member states, as well as Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Canada, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
"This brings the total number of countries able to use the autogate facility to 46," he told reporters after the National Registration Department's Excellent Service Awards 2023 ceremony.
Last year, the government announced that the Autogate system facilities at KLIA which previously was limited to Malaysians, was open to foreigners from 10 low-risk and G7 countries.
Saifuddin said he had discussed the matter with Transport Minister Anthony Loke, and both agreed that the airport, under Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, would place additional signage and ushers.
They would also install 40 more autogate machines, bringing the total number of autogates to 98.
"I am confident that this initiative will ease and accelerate the immigration clearance process, without compromising on security," he added.
He said the government's decision to allow this was due to the high number of travellers into the country, with 40 million travellers between Jan 1, 2023 and April this year.
Of the total, 30.5 million of them had entered the country via KLIA terminals 1 and 2, and through Johor.
This facility would also be extended to all diplomatic staff working in Malaysia, including their family members.
"As Malaysia is Asean chair next year, there will be many ministerial meetings that will be held.
"This is an early step for us to facilitate their arrivals smoothly," said Saifuddin.