PUTRAJAYA (Feb 22, 2011): The Immigration Department expects to solve all problems faced by users of the autogate system at the airports by May when its online service integrated system, known as MyIM, is ready for implementation.
Immigration director-general Datuk Alias Ahmad said the new system which is more efficient will replace the existing system which is old and faulty.
"We are in the process of upgrading the current system under the MyIM initiative. With this, it is hoped that issues like malfunctioning autogates and other problems could be overcome.
"Also included under this is the biometric system at the entry points to monitor the movement of foreign nationals in the country," he said at the Immigration Department headquarters here today.
He was asked to comment on a report in theSun today on the frequent cases of autogate system breakdown at the low-cost carrier terminal in Sepang.
Speaking to reporters after launching the department�s 3S campaign of Senyum, Sapa dan Sopan (Smile, Greet and Courtesy) at the monthly assembly, Alias said the problem has nothing to do with any awards of new contracts.
"The breakdown could be due to many factors such as electricity failure or system offline, as this is an old system. The issue of new contract does not arise," he added.
In November, he has said the MyIM would enable all processes including passport application, maid registration and entry of foreigners to be done online.
Last week, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the department would implement a transformation programme aimed at eliminating corruption and improving efficiency and integrity so as to ensure its credibility and relevance.
Among others, it will introduce the online service to ease the process of transaction and avoid congestion at the immigration offices, expedite application of visas, special passes and permits and set up one-stop centre, weekend service and other value added services.
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