KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government is set to trial a new Quick-Response (QR) code system exclusively for Malaysians at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminals 1 and 2 this month. This initiative aims to alleviate congestion at immigration checkpoints, especially during peak travel times and festive seasons by using 40 designated lanes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced that the QR code system would significantly decrease the time required for immigration checks. With the new technology, checks will take between five to seven seconds, a considerable reduction from the 15 to 25 seconds needed with conventional automatic gates. The system is also expected to enhance security and service efficiency while minimizing leakages.

Travellers will not need to present their passports during these expedited checks, although they must keep them on hand throughout their journey. Despite the new QR code system, manual counters and existing automatic gates will remain operational.

The trial follows an earlier statement by Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, who noted in December that the government was exploring QR code solutions to expedite immigration processes at KLIA, aiming to mitigate congestion effectively.