Checks stepped up at KLIA to better handle Not-To-Land cases
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MBCA) has ramped up checks at the country's main gateway as part of its long-term strategy to better manage Not-To-Land (NTL) cases.
Agency acting director-general Datuk Sazali Mohamad said more personnel have been deployed to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to strengthen on-ground surveillance.
The reinforcements include teams from MBCA's Quick Response Team (QRT), particularly during peak hours.
"This approach has proven effective in bolstering on-ground capacity, enabling us to handle the high number of cases without requiring additional permanent staff," he told the New Straits Times.
He said MBCA was also improving risk profiling to identify high-risk travellers before arrival and fostering closer collaboration with local and international agencies to detect suspicious travel patterns early.
Sazali added that the agency supported increased investment in automated border control systems, such as autogates, at major entry points as part of a broader, long-term solution.
"These automated systems not only ease congestion during peak periods but also reduce risks linked to human error and potential misuse of authority at manual immigration counters."
Sazali said expanding the workforce with new recruits would have long-term financial implications, whereas technological upgrades offer more sustainable, secure and transparent border control solutions.
MBCA's KLIA strategy, he said, could be used as a template for other international entry points, including Penang, Kota Kinabalu and Johor Baru.
In addition, MBCA is working with foreign embassies, airlines, the Tourism Ministry and other agencies to raise awareness about Malaysia's entry requirements, travel procedures and the risks of using fraudulent visa agents.
"These efforts are designed to ensure travellers are better informed before arrival," he said.
"Together, they help prevent illegal entry and uphold the integrity of Malaysia's borders.
"This also protects travellers from exploitation, reduces NTL incidents and ensures a safer and more orderly entry process, especially for visitors from countries subject to more detailed scrutiny."
Sazali said the agency placed greater focus on diplomatic engagement with embassies of high-risk countries, such as Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, to reduce misunderstandings and improve compliance.
"We've already initiated active communication with the Pakistani embassy and aim to expand diplomatic cooperation with other nations.
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