Latest news with #MalaysiaDigitalArrivalCard
New Straits Times
19-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Congestion at Johor CIQ as autogate glitch slows entry for foreign travellers
KUALA LUMPUR: Heavy congestion was reported this morning at the bus passenger hall of the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex due to a technical fault in the autogate system. Light vehicles also experienced slower traffic approaching the entry checkpoint, although other immigration zones within the complex were not affected. The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency, in an update at 11.30am, said the congestion stemmed from a disruption in the automated immigration clearance system at the main entry point used by foreign visitors. Travellers were reminded to ensure their travel documents are valid and in order before approaching immigration counters. "They are also reminded to present a valid visa where required, top up their Touch 'n Go cards prior to arrival, and check their eligibility and submit travel details via the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) portal," the agency said in a Facebook post today. It also advised all visitors to adhere to displayed instructions and give way to those in greater need to ensure comfort and safety for all. Earlier, the agency confirmed that a technical disruption had affected the autogate system used by foreign visitors at the country's main entry points since yesterday. Preliminary investigations indicate that the issue stems from a data integration failure, which has slowed the cross-verification process in the Malaysian Immigration Integrated System (MyIMMS).
Malay Mail
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Visa-free travel, not citizenship: Immigration Dept addresses viral claims on Chinese nationals
KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 — The Immigration Department of Malaysia has dismissed allegations on social media accusing the government of allowing a large number Chinese nationals to remain in the country. The claims, which suggest that Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail granted Malaysian citizenship to Chinese nationals, have been circulating since he took office in 2022. Citing the minister's explanation that was brought up in Parliament in March, the Immigration Department reiterated that the surge in Chinese nationals entry into Malaysia was a result of the visa-free travel arrangement between Malaysia and China that has been extended for another five years starting 2025. Under this initiative, Chinese tourists are allowed to stay in Malaysia for up to 90 days without a visa. The arrangement also includes a reciprocal policy by China for Malaysian travellers. Malaysia recorded 3.9 million Chinese tourist arrivals in 2024, compared to 1.6 million in 2023. Saifuddin reportedly said that out of 8,491,653 Chinese visitors, 8,012,294 had returned to China. The remaining balance is 479,359 — far below the 1.2 million figure alleged on social media. In addition, the Immigration Department clarified that the visa liberalisation initiative was also extended to Indian nationals and is not exclusive to China. The Immigration Department also stressed that proper security measures have been put in place for the auto-gate access whereby those entering into the country have to meet certain conditions before they are permitted to use the gates. Foreign tourists who are allowed through the auto-gates must not be on any blacklist or watchlist, must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) prior to arrival, and must be citizens of one of 63 countries approved for auto-gate access.
