The Malaysia Checkpoints and Border Agency (MCBA) has commenced operations since May 1 and will serve as a single agency to oversee the management and control of the country’s borders.
Malaysia’s prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, addressed the recent challenges faced at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, where surging air arrivals strained immigration counters. This congestion underscored the necessity of MCBA’s role in ensuring efficient and seamless entry for visitors.
In 1Q2024, Malaysia experienced a notable surge in tourist arrivals, with 5.8 million foreign visitors – a 32.5 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023. Key markets contributing to this growth included Singapore, Indonesia, China, Thailand, Brunei, India, South Korea, the UK, Australia, and the Philippines.
Arrivals are expected to grow further in the coming months leading up to Visit Malaysia 2026 as the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, together with Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Airports Holdings and the Ministry of Transport, as well as local airlines flying on international routes are collaborating to increase flight frequencies, new route development and seat capacity, especially from key markets such as West Asia, China, India and South Korea.
Concurrently, the Home Ministry is actively crafting strategies to integrate technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), into border control measures. Its minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail emphasised that it is imperative to leverage AI in order to fortify governance and operational efficiency.
In pursuit of this goal, the ministry aims to harness AI’s capabilities to bolster security measures and optimise border control procedures. By embracing technological innovation, Malaysia seeks to strengthen its position in safeguarding national borders while facilitating the smooth flow of legitimate tourists.
