PUTRAJAYA: Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin says a fully online Integrated Immigration System will be developed to replace the Malaysia Immigration System (myIMMs) which has been in use for more than 20 years.
He said the decision to replace myIMMs was made at the last Cabinet meeting as the Immigration Department needed an integrated system with up-to-date technology.
“The new system which may be known as myIMMs Global was proposed as among the efforts to increase immigration’s service capacity, besides replacing other patch-on systems currently used by the department.
“We expect this new system to be able to fully replace the role of myIMMs in at least two years from now,” Muhyiddin said in a news conference after officiating at the Immigration Day 2018 celebration here today.
Until then, he added, the existing system would be used as usual.
He said the Cabinet also agreed to scrap implementation of the RM3.5 billion National Immigration Control System (SKIN) project, based on the need for a new system that would be more comprehensive, efficient, user-friendly and of more monetary value, which would save government funds.
Muhyiddin said the home ministry would hold discussions with Prestariang Bhd, the company carrying out the SKIN project, to determine the appropriate amount of compensation to be paid due to the project cancellation.
“We will pay compensation that is proportionate to what they have started. We believe the amount will not be too big,” he added.
In July 2017, Prestariang through its subsidiary company, Prestariang Skin Sdn Bhd, signed a concession agreement for a period of 15 years with the home ministry to replace myIMMs.
SKIN, projected to be implemented in 2021, is being developed to enhance the country’s immigration control system, which would also safeguard security at the border areas.
Muhyiddin said development of the system would be accorded via open tender. He added that the government would give major consideration to the pressing need for an improved system.
On media reports on the detention by Australian authorities of eight Malaysians believed to have been involved in the agricultural industry, Muhyiddin said he had not received a complete report on the matter.
According to the Australia news.com.au portal, the eight were arrested by Australian Border Force officers in raids at two separate locations in that country.