MCBA denies entry to over 24,000 foreigners, arrests 707 this year

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 24,631 not-to-land actions and 707 arrests for various immigration offences were recorded year to date.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the figures from the Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) reflected ongoing enforcement efforts to address immigration non-compliance and strengthen border security.

"The ministry takes seriously the issue of unauthorised entry and the presence of undocumented foreigners, which may threaten national security and public order.

"In this regard, the ministry and all frontline agencies, including MCBA, are implementing a comprehensive immigration control strategy covering the pre-entry, entry and post-entry stages," he said in a written parliamentary reply to Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Independent-Labuan).

Suhaili had asked about the enforcement measures and screening mechanisms in place at the country's entry points to screen foreigners, including Chinese citizens, identified as high-risk individuals or suspected of involvement in scam syndicates.

Saifuddin said several measures had been introduced to strengthen immigration policies and tighten border controls for all foreign visitors, including Chinese nationals, particularly to address immigration non-compliance, fraudulent documents and syndicate activities.

Among the measures is the Advanced Passenger Screening System, which automatically analyses passenger data before their transport departs for Malaysia, enabling authorities to flag high-risk travellers and individuals suspected of criminal activity at an early stage.

MCBA has also tightened checks on travel documents, accommodation bookings and the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card.

"Chinese visitors using manual counters must present return tickets and proof of onward travel.

"Despite the availability of autogates for Chinese passport holders, MCBA maintains strict controls through officer deployment and targeted inspections at e-Gate lanes," he said.

Saifuddin said MCBA also worked closely with the police and the Immigration Department to share intelligence and detect high-risk individuals or those linked to illegal syndicates.

"The National Integrated Immigration System, based on Zero Trust Architecture, is expected to be fully completed by 2028. It will be supported by the Automated Biometric Identification System, scheduled for introduction in the third quarter of 2027, to improve identity verification and combat passport fraud.

"From Nov 1, 2026, the Foreign Digital Identification system will match biometric data to ensure each individual has a unique digital identity.

"Meanwhile, the full implementation of autogates for foreign nationals departing Malaysia is scheduled for December to prevent irregularities and manipulation of movement records," he said, adding that the ministry had terminated the Multiple Entry Visa facility for short-term social visits from Sept 1 to curb its misuse for illegal employment and overstaying.

"The ministry, through MCBA, will continue to enhance risk-based border control measures to safeguard the country's security and sovereignty," he said.