Malaysia eyes advanced security screening system
WASHINGTON DC:
Malaysia plans to adopt an early security screening system on foreign visitors with the aim of blocking the entry of terrorists and criminals.
Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the use of the Automated Targeting System-Global (ATS-G) was offered to Malaysia by the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
“Through this method, foreign visitors, who wish to come to Malaysia, can be screened in advance so that if they are parts of unwanted elements, we will be able to detect them,” he said after visiting several US security institutions here.
Muhyiddin is currently on a working visit here, with the aim of strengthening security cooperation between Malaysia and the US. He will also be visiting New York.
He said through the system, Malaysia would be able to share the contents of the US’ database with the aim of helping the country to manage matters related to visitors’ arrivals.
He said the CBP had expressed it willingness to send officers for discussions with the Home Ministry pertaining to the assistance that could be rendered to Malaysia.
“They are offering the ATS-G for free. If we use a different system, we will have to pay.”
He said the US had ample data, not only from within the country, but also from other countries that it had existing cooperation with.
“The system has the advantages that I think can ensure that Malaysia’s entry points are secured and no unwanted individual can enter our country.”
He said this was part of the efforts to set up a new immigration system for the country, to replace the existing ones that had been used for a long time.
He said Malaysia was keen to learn more from the US’ experience in establishing a single border agency to control the country’s entry points.
He said apart from the US, other countries, such as Singapore and Australia, had established a similar agency.
“Information on this matter is needed to help with the steps to be taken following the decision of the cabinet committee meeting held a few months ago,” he said, referring to the July 3 meeting that agreed with the proposal of a single body to look after the country’s borders and entry points.