
Autogate access at KLIA extended to more Asean countries, Timor-Leste
KUALA LUMPUR: The use of the autogate facility for immigration clearance at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminals 1 and 2 has been extended to travellers from six Asean countries and Timor-Leste, effective Feb 15.
The Home Ministry said the autogate access is now available to citizens of Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam, as well as Timor-Leste.
Currently, autogate access is granted to citizens of 63 countries, including two Asean members, namely, Singapore and Brunei.
Autogate access is also allowed for passport holders from countries whose travel documents do not contain embedded chips, in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation requirements for secure and accurate identity verification.
The ministry said the expansion aligns with the Madani government's aspiration to enhance public service delivery by prioritising speed, efficiency and compassion, both for Malaysians and foreign travellers.
"This initiative also embodies the spirit of inclusivity and regional cooperation, particularly in strengthening diplomatic and tourism ties between Malaysia, Asean member states, and Timor-Leste.
"The move is part of a broader strategic effort to improve the management of traveller movement at entry points, especially in anticipation of a significant rise in international arrivals in conjunction with Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship this year and Visit Malaysia Year 2026," the ministry said in a statement today.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Barnama
2 hours ago
- Barnama
Sama-Sama Hotel KLIA Celebrates Kaamatan And Gawai With Cultural Open House
By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng SEPANG, May 31 (Bernama) -- Sama-Sama Hotel Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) came alive today with the vibrant sights and sounds of East Malaysia as it hosted a cultural open house in celebration of Kaamatan and Gawai - two major harvest festivals celebrated in Sabah and Sarawak. Strategically located adjacent to KLIA, Sama-Sama Hotel serves as a welcoming point for travellers from around the world. Its general manager Sundra Kulendra said that by showcasing the unique cultures of East Malaysia, the hotel emphasises Malaysia's diverse heritage, ensuring that visitors experience the nation's multifaceted identity from the moment they arrive. He expressed his pride in hosting the event, stating that, as an airport hotel, Sama-Sama Hotel is the first point of contact for many visitors to Malaysia. "It is our responsibility and privilege to showcase the rich tapestry of our nation's cultures. Celebrating Kaamatan Festival and Gawai Day allows us to honour the unique traditions of East Malaysia and share them with a broader audience," he told Bernama here. Sundra said the event was also part of the hotel's effort to promote the Visit Malaysia Year 2026. "As we go forward, we will incorporate more elements from beautiful destinations to inspire those planning to travel soon,' he added. The event, held at the hotel's premises adjacent to KLIA, transformed the space into a lively cultural showcase that welcomed both local and international guests.


Borneo Post
2 hours ago
- Borneo Post
ASEAN-GCC-China: A Brave New World?
Malaysia could stand proud not merely for arranging such a smoothly run Summit, but also for the bridging of minds that have arguably emerged as key voices of the newly resurgent Global South. – Bernama photo Posterity, I dare say, will regard the recently concluded ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur in May as a historic turning point. While the ASEAN Summit and its related meetings like the ASEAN-GCC Summit were equally historic for their role in progressing ASEAN's agenda, current trade wars and geopolitical fragmentation have somehow made many quarters perceive the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit as the gamechanger during the recent ASEAN gathering. A potential 'reconciler to the fragmented world' Malaysia could stand proud not merely for arranging such a smoothly run Summit, but also for the bridging of minds that have arguably emerged as key voices of the newly resurgent Global South, particularly through the successful issuance of a Joint Statement – usually the most difficult feat in any multilateral meeting. As part of their Joint Statement, the ASEAN-GCC-China leaders condemned the continued atrocities on the people of Gaza and called for a ceasefire, echoing the sentiments of all right-minded peoples across the world. Beyond politics, a deeper trilateral economic integration makes perfect sense. For context, the combined numbers for ASEAN, GCC and China speak for themselves: over a quarter of the world's population, and a collective GDP of almost USD trillion. Figures for foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, too, stack up nicely: ASEAN attracted USD billion in FDI inflows, representing about a significant portion of global FDI. China received USD billion, while the GCC secured USD billion. Collectively, these figures accounted for roughly a substantial share of global FDI inflows. From such data alone, the significance of this combined economic might was clear to the leaders from China and the two economic blocs. ASEAN can be a strategic gateway to the East Asian markets. Malaysia, in particular, with our well-established trade and industrial ecosystem, rule of law and ease of investor journey is also well-poised to facilitate such investments into the broader ASEAN and East Asian markets. The GCC's economic dynamism, strategic location connecting Europe, Asia and Africa, and its shared religious and cultural values with Malaysia as well as ASEAN make it an ideal partner for deeper economic integration. Indeed, ASEAN's trade with the GCC stood at USD billion and FDI inflows were USD million. On a wider scale, China, as we know, was ASEAN's largest trading partner with USD billion in trade and USD billion in foreign direct investment. China and the GCC are hence crucial economic partners for ASEAN and for Malaysia. It therefore is totally appropriate for us to want to engage with them, both on a bilateral and trilateral format. That is also why Malaysia will soon start negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the GCC, because there is so much potential to increase the current total trade between Malaysia and the GCC. How ASEAN deals benefit its people But I want to go a bit more granular and show how engaging on an ASEAN-GCC-China scale can benefit ordinary Malaysians, including the youth, women and MSMEs. Through the Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) under the Economic Pillar of Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and other related Ministries are working diligently to ensure substantial progress for these PEDs by year-end. Some of these are of course directly linked to the GCC and China. For instance, we have completed negotiations to not only upgrade the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) but also the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA). Both of these will be signed in October, boosting both intra-ASEAN and ASEAN's trade with China which as we know will be key to tide our region over during this period of geopolitical instability. Separately, another of our PEDs, namely the Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation Between the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was also completed in full. Through this, our two regions will explore new avenues of cooperation like market integration, sustainability, decarbonisation, digital transformation and inclusion, including for MSMEs. Sectorally, ASEAN's PED on the Development of Policy Recommendations and Guidelines to Support ASEAN EV Implementation Roadmap will benefit from China's global leadership in electrical vehicles (EVs). Accounting for more than a large majority of global electric car production, China also produced more than a dominant share of all EV batteries ever manufactured. Consider also the Endorsement of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation, which is clearly in alignment with the GCC's ramping up of its efforts to diversify its economies and energy mix away from oil and gas in pursuit of renewable energy (RE). They have pledged a massive investment in RE by the end of the decade to transition to clean energy and reduce carbon emissions. There are, indeed, many synergies for economic integration. Development of ASEAN Tourism Outlook? China and GCC are key tourist markets for ASEAN. An ASEAN Framework for Integrated Semiconductor Supply-Chain (AFISS)? China is both a major chip buyer and maker. In conclusion, when Malaysia proposed the PEDs for its Chairmanship year, we were clear on how we could boost ASEAN's socio-economic dynamism and ergo, the ASEAN-GCC-China trilateral relationship can likewise contribute to this. Furthermore, global demand for halal products is currently valued at over USD trillion and will grow significantly by the end of the decade. This is a market ASEAN, GCC and China can collaborate to tap on and even corner together. Also, as previously highlighted, as a combined market of more than two billion people, ASEAN, GCC and China should be regions where young Malaysian men and women, including those in small business, look for job or business opportunities. We are paving the way for all our Malaysian jaguhs to enter wider markets for their goods and services, while ensuring that their interests will always be safeguarded through well negotiated FTAs. Deeper economic integration supports regional security But one would argue that even spreading one's wings to ASEAN really is just a waypoint for the truly ambitious. While other regions may draw inwards, our three are seeking even greater connectivity for our people and businesses. The coming together of ASEAN-GCC-China's leaders signals that we refuse for our horizons to be limited—by ourselves or others—to our own borders or backyards. Indeed, deeper economic integration would do well to better support regional security, which feeds into ASEAN's Political-Security deliverables. This is also why ASEAN – with its principles of centrality, neutrality, non-alignment – must matter to not only its Member States, but also to partners like the GCC, China and indeed, other Dialogue Partners like Australia, Canada, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Japan and New Zealand. Truth be told, what we can achieve together through this nascent ASEAN-GCC-China trilateral configuration is only limited by our imaginations.


The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
TIME TO SWITCH TO SOLAR
More Malaysians are discovering the benefits of solar energy as they adopt greener and more sustainable lifestyles. Solar energy, once considered a luxury only for the wealthy or eco-enthusiasts, is fast becoming a practical and affordable upgrade for landed homeowners. Thanks to improved access, lower entry costs and supportive government initiatives such as the Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme, switching to solar power has never been more attractive for Malaysian homeowners. One of the biggest draws is the potential for significant monthly savings – many households with rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have reported electricity bill reductions of 30% to 50%, depending on the size of their system and overall energy usage. While the initial investment might seem steep, the long-term value is clear. Most homeowners recover their installation costs within six to eight years and continue to enjoy substantial savings for another 15 to 20 years after that. Beyond cost savings, solar systems can also increase a property's resale value, especially in urban areas where energy-efficient features are increasingly sought after. Understanding the NEM Scheme The NEM scheme was introduced by the government for consumers to reduce their electricity bills. You can generate your own electricity by installing rooftop solar PV system for your own consumption. Now in its third iteration, NEM 3.0 was introduced with new quotas and initiatives divided into categories like NEM Rakyat (for homeowners), NEM GoMEn (for government ministries and agencies), and NOVA (for commercial and industrial users). Under the NEM Rakyat scheme, any excess electricity your solar panels generate is exported to the grid. You earn credits for this, which are then used to offset energy usage from the grid – lowering your TNB bill in the process. In simpler terms, the more solar energy your system produces, the less you pay for electricity every month. It's a win-win situation for both your wallet and the environment. The technology behind solar PV cells has created greater efficiency in absorbing sunlight, further enhancing the solar energy capture and efficiency. With advancements in solar inverter technology, today's rooftop solar PV systems are capable of offering greater energy conversion and cost savings. These developments have made solar power accessible to a broader group of Malaysians – not just the affluent few – to become 'prosumers' (producer and consumer) of green energy. Today's homeowners also benefit from: > New financing models that allow you to install rooftop solar PV with minimal upfront cost, often through monthly repayments. > Government incentives and rebates, which lower the overall cost of going solar. > Zero-interest payment plans offered by some providers to ease the financial burden further. Ravi Kumar, a homeowner from Penang, says: 'Switching to solar has been one of the best financial decisions we've made for our home. 'Our electricity bill used to average RM700 a month, especially with the air conditioning running constantly during the hotter periods. 'Now, it's consistently under RM50, sometimes even receiving a small credit back from TNB! The installation was smooth, and the team was incredibly professional. We're not just saving money; we're also proud to be doing our part for the environment.' For environmentally-conscious homeowners like Ravi, the appeal of solar extends beyond the ringgit and sen. A typical residential solar setup can reduce carbon emissions by several tonnes each year – the equivalent of planting dozens of trees annually. This makes solar adoption a personal contribution to Malaysia's broader sustainability goals and its move towards a low-carbon economy. Is solar right for you? Solar solutions work best for landed properties with ample roof space and high daylight exposure. Next, review your monthly electricity bill over the period needed to recover the long-term investment for the solar system. > Get a professional assessment of your roof's solar potential: Not all roofs are created equal when it comes to solar energy. Engage a certified solar PV service provider to evaluate key factors such as your roof's orientation, tilt angle, shading from nearby trees or buildings, and available space. This assessment will help determine how many panels your roof can accommodate, the optimal positioning for maximum sunlight exposure and the potential energy output. > Compare offers from certified solar PV service providers: Don't settle for the first quote. Approach multiple reputable and certified PV service providers to compare packages. Look at pricing, equipment quality, warranties, installation timelines and after-sales service. Check if the providers are registered under the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda) or other relevant bodies. > Understand the NEM application process and what incentives you qualify for: Malaysia's NEM scheme allows residential users to export excess electricity generated from their solar panels back to the grid for rebates or credits based on available NEM quota. Recently, the government announced an additional 100MW quota for NEM Rakyat after the original allocation of 600MW was fully subscribed. Learn how the NEM application works, including eligibility requirements, documentation needed, approval timelines and integration with your electricity bill. Also, explore any government rebates, tax incentives or green financing options available to reduce your upfront costs. Being well-informed about these mechanisms can significantly improve the return on your solar investment. Learn more about how Net Energy Metering by clicking here to view website