Malaysia to Begin Screening Airline Passengers Before Arrival Starting Today, Says Home Minister

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 31 — The first phase of the Advance Passenger Screening System (APSS) kicks off today, involving 10 airlines including Malaysia Airlines (MAS), VietJet Air (Vietnam), Emirates (UAE), Scoot (Singapore) and US-Bangla Airlines (Bangladesh).

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the implementation of the first phase will allow the Home Ministry (KDN), Immigration Department (JIM), and the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) to evaluate the effectiveness of the joint operation with the airlines involved before expanding it to all international airlines in March 2026.

“Through the APSS, passenger information will be checked before arrival at the country’s entry points. This approach allows authorities to identify potential safety risks earlier and take appropriate proactive action, thereby strengthening the prevention aspect.

“The implementation of the APSS reflects the KDN’s commitment to strengthening the country’s security via the use of data and technology. This system is part of the immigration control reforms that allow for the early detection of high-risk individuals before their arrival in Malaysia,” he said in a statement today.

He said the implementation schedule had been accelerated from December to October to ensure Malaysia’s compliance with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions and Global Safety standards under the Universal Security Audit Programme—Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP–CMA) by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Saifuddin Nasution said the early implementation of the APSS demonstrates the Madani government’s commitment to the safety of the people and the country’s preparedness to face regional and global security challenges.

He said the technology-based approach also strengthens the country’s resilience and reinforces Malaysia’s image as a safe and modern aviation and tourism hub.

“The APSS is an initiative under the National Integrated Immigration System (MyNIlSe) project. And the implementation of the first phase is specifically for international flights with the aim of screening and assessing traveller information earlier to strengthen national border security control.

“KDN is confident that the implementation of the APSS will be a driving force for reform in the effort to digitalise the country’s immigration control, in line with the Madani government’s aspiration to provide more efficient, safe and people-friendly services,” he added. — Bernama