The ministry said the disruption that left tens of thousands stranded at entry points nationwide was caused by an internal technical issue that affected the system’s operations for a total of three hours and 45 minutes.

The system was fully restored and resumed normal operations 45 minutes after recovery works were completed.

“There was no leak, loss or damage in data recorded, and all information stored in the system remains safely preserved,” it said in a statement.

The ministry said the process of upgrading the MyIMMS system to the National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe) is being done in stages to boost the immigration department’s capability, while the latest disruption has been taken into account.

It said the department will expedite the upgrade while increasing its storage capacity, improving its system infrastructure, and enhancing its disruption recovery plans.

“The ministry apologises for the inconvenience caused to users during the disruption and appreciates their patience and cooperation,” it said.

The latest MyIMMs system crash on Wednesday, a public holiday, is the second in just over a month after a similar incident on April 23 left thousands of travellers stranded for about two hours.

Immigration director-general Zakaria Shaa­ban had reportedly said such disruptions could recur until the NIISe was up and running, and that the department will have to “endure them” until the new system is ready.

Zakaria also said these crashes were bound to occur since the MyIMMs is 30 years old.