International Travellers From These 36 Countries Can Use Malaysia's Autogates From 1 June
The electronic immigration clearance system was previously exclusive to Malaysians.
Starting 1 June, international travellers from 46 countries will be able to use Malaysia's autogates to enter the country
Last year, the government only allowed foreign visitors from 10 countries to use the electronic immigration clearance system, which was previously only exclusive to Malaysians.
According to the New Straits Times, Home Minister Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced the inclusion of an additional 36 low-risk countries yesterday, 16 May.
"This brings the total number of countries able to use the autogate facilities to 46," he said, adding that the move aims to alleviate the long waiting lines at immigration, especially at KLIA Terminal 1 and 2.
He also said the autogate facility will be extended to all diplomatic staff working in Malaysia, including their family members.
Among the 36 low-risk countries are the European Union member states, as well as Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Canada, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan
This is in addition to Australia, Brunei, Germany, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, United States, and United Kingdom, which were allowed last year.
Here's the full list of countries whose citizens may use Malaysia's autogates:
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- China
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Jordan
- Korea
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Oman
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Republic of Cyprus
- Romania
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Taiwan
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
Saifuddin said 40 more autogate machines will be installed at the airports, 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 said.
He added that the government's decision to implement this measure is in response to the high influx of travellers into the country this year, which amounted to 40 million travellers between 1 January and April.