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Wednesday, 2.07.2025
Transforming Government since 2001
The Election Commission (EC) is mulling over the possibility of using biometric system to enable the voter's verification process to be done electronically, EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof.

He said although the system was capable of detecting multiple voting and ensuring transparency, it needed to be scrutinised before being implemented because it would be very costly.

"However, this does not mean that the existing system is no longer relevant, safe or transparent because despite allegations of multiple voting cases, none of the claims resulted in an election petition or had been brought to court so far," he said in an interview with Bernama and RTM here recently.

Read more: MY: Election Commission Mulls Possibility Of Using Biometric System

From 1 June 2011 onwards, foreigners entering Malaysia will have their thumbprints taken under a biometric system.

Covering all 96 entry points, this security effort is meant to register and monitor foreigners from their arrival until departure, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

In parliament, Yassin explained that foreigners will have their thumbprints taken and processed within 20 seconds upon arrival at the immigration check-point.

Read more: Malaysia to take foreigners’ biometric data

The integrity of Immigration officers will be the focus of attention with the proposed implementation of the biometric system at entry points in the country.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the other aspects of the system were the use of technology and equipment and personnel manning the entry points would work closely with staff at airports and ports in the country.

But the key focus, he added, would be the integrity of personnel at entry points, who would be working with their counterparts in the home countries of arriving tourists.

Read more: MY: Integrity of personnel at entry points vital, says Hisham

The integrity of Immigration officers is among the three focal points to be paid attention to with the proposed implementation of the biometric system at entry points in the country.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein when stressing this said the other two points are to work with the counterparts in the home countries of arriving tourists and the upgrading of equipment.

He said while it was vital to use modern technology and equipment to detect any possible threat especially with the challenges of the new borderless world, personnel manning entry points must also uphold a high level of integrity since they work closely with staff stationed at airports and seaports nationwide.

Read more: MY: Biometric system: Ministry to focus on three focal points

Foreigners entering the country from June 1 will have their thumbprints taken under a biometric system to enhance security at 96 entry points.

The National Foreigners Enforcement and Registration System (NERS) would register and monitor foreigners from their arrival until departure, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

“The system is capable of tackling various immigration issues, including falsification of documents, overstaying, and misuse of visas, passes and permits.

Read more: MY: Thumbs up for foreigners, new system to help enhance security

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