A RM80 million traveller vetting system set to be introduced at the end of this year will be a catalyst for change in addressing security issues and foreign syndicates at the country's entry points, said the home minister.

Saifuddin Nasution Ismail explained that under the Advanced Passenger Screening System (APSS), passenger names, passport numbers, aircraft seating and even the meals they order will be recorded.

"Our APSS trial is at the end of this year. In Malaysia, approximately 56 airlines use our airport services.

“We will first implement it for 10 airlines. This means travellers entering here using these 10 airlines will use that system.

"This system is being developed by an appointed vendor with an acquisition cost of RM80 million," he told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) today.

Saifuddin added that it provides an advantage to authorities when passenger details can be known earlier before they begin their journey.

"This will reduce incidents like foreign entry syndicates and security issues,” he said, adding that the Home Ministry will be controlling the system.

Malaysiakini previously revealed the existence of foreign syndicates such as “counter settings”, “fly”, “u-turn” and “phantom travels”.

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Although the government had introduced various initiatives and new technologies, such as the autogate, remnants of these syndicates exist.

Sparked by 9/11 tragedy

Elaborating further, Saifuddin said the proposal to introduce the APSS system began after the US 9/11 tragedy.

"The 9-11 tragedy certainly had a major impact on the movement of travellers using aircraft. Consequently, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) agreed to establish a system where passengers who want to travel and tour must have information about those passengers known earlier.

"So when it was agreed upon, all countries that have airlines must comply. That system is the APSS and it will be monitored by ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation)," he said.

Saifuddin added that ICAO had visited Malaysia several times to check that the local APSS was in place and running on schedule.

Earlier, Saifuddin launched the 'Benteng Persada' ceremony in conjunction with the national month, organised by the Border Control and Protection Agency.

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