Immigration project to be upgraded
More integrated system to replace ‘Skin’
PUTRAJAYA: An improved and integrated system will be developed for the Immigration Department, which will replace the RM3.5bil National Immigration Control System (Skin) project, says the Home Ministry.
Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the decision to cancel Skin was based on the need to develop a new system that is more comprehensive, efficient and user-friendly.
He added that the new system must also be one that is value-for-money and would bring savings to the government.
“Following the cancellation of the project, the ministry will discuss and negotiate with the company.
“Perhaps there will be compensation their efforts. We want the matter to be resolved amicably,” he told reporters after attending the Immigration Day celebration here yesterday.
Prestariang Bhd was given a 15-year concession project beginning April this year for Skin.
The system will provide a comprehensive and integrated solution composed of five main modules, passport, visa, border control, enforcement and risk assessment.
According to earlier reports, in the first three years (2018 to 2020), Prestariang was supposed to develop and deploy the system, and payments by the government to the company will only commence in 2021.
Skin, which was meant to replace the current immigration system called MyIMMs, is projected to provide the information and communications technology firm an annual payment of about RM294.7mil from year four to year 15 during the maintenance and technical operation phase.
Muhyiddin said a new system was needed for the department as its 20-year-old existing system needed an upgrade and enhance its capacity to deal with, not only an influx of tourist arrivals, but other matters which requires it to be effective to meet public demands.
“The procurement will be via open tender and will be given priority by the government considering the pressing need for an improved system for the Immigration Department.
“I anticipate that it will take two years before we can have a new system in place and until then, the current MyIMMs will continue to run,” he added.
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