Relax - Faster way to scan fingerprints

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JOHOR BARU: Visitors to Malaysia coming through the Causeway and the second link will be assured of faster immigration clearance from today as they no longer have to alight their vehicles to have their fingers scanned under the biometric fingerprint scanning system.

They just have to sit back in their vehicles as the scanners at the Immigration booths could be extended to reach the hand of every passenger and driver for them to have their fingers scanned while Immigration officers on duty will verify and stamp their passports as usual.

Immigration personnel have been working around the clock this week to extend the cables connecting every scanner and computer system by 1.7 metres to enable them to be pulled out to reach every vehicle.

Immigration director-general Datuk Alias Ahmad said the hassle-free measure would significantly reduce the time needed for Immigration clearance.

To facilitate the process, Immigration officer will be stationed outside each booth to supervise the scanning process and assist visitors who are new to the system.

"These are among the proactive measures we have adopted in preparation for a possible influx of visitors during the weekends and public holidays. It will be implemented from today."

The security system is being implemented at 96 entry points natiowide from June 1 to curb transboundary crime and terrorist threats.

Previously, foreigners only had to have their passports stamped to enter Malaysia.

Last weekend, the system was too slow to cope with the influx of visitors from Singapore in conjunction with the republic's school holidays.

This slowed down immigration clearance at both the checkpoints at the Sultan Iskandar Building at the Causeway and the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex at the second link.

The long and slow traffic leading to the checkpoints from Singapore, disrupted travelling and holiday plans of many Singaporeans and other visitors.

However, immigration clearance at both entry points was reported to be stable during weekdays.

Alias said the fingerprint scanning system had been upgraded to expedite the scanning process.

"For long term measure, we would like to advise foreigners to apply for the Malaysia automated clearance system at any Immigration office for faster Immigration clearance.

"Under the system, foreigners only have to scan their index fingers during the first visit to the country. For subsequent entry, they only need to have their passports stamped."

Faster way to scan fingerprints

New Straits Times | Sat, Jun 11 2011

Scanners at the Immigration booths would be extended to reach the hand of every passenger and driver for them in their vehicles.

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