KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 — The National Security Council (NSC) is concerned that all of the country's entry points could be vulnerable after the Immigration Department’s electronic screening system for foreigners at the KL International Airport (KLIA) was found to be flawed.

NSC secretary-general Datuk Seri Alias Ahmad said the department’s Malaysia Immigration System (myIMMs) electronic system was being used at all entry points and individuals who could be a threat to national security could take advantage of its weaknesses.

“The weaknesses of the Immigration system at KLIA must be looked into because the same system is being used at all other entry points into the country by air, land and ports,” he said.

Alias pointed out that Malaysia records about 27 million tourist arrivals annually but the Immigration Department’s flawed system raised doubts about how many foreigners  actually arrived and left the country.

“The worry is now there could be more than 27 million people coming into the country as the system can’t provide the actual numbers as it does not have complete records,” he said.

Alias said the biometric thumbprint system at all entry points must also be revised as it was not functioning effectively.

“If we can’t get a definite identity match of those entering and exiting the country, some individuals could manipulate this by changhing their identity documents to confuse the authorities,” he said.

Alias said the Immigration Department must explain the weaknesses in the myIMMs electronic system to NSC.

“It should explain in detail the status of the outdated electronic system and its impact on national security,” he said, adding that the system must be upgraded to suit the needs and safety requirements of current times.

Malay Mail reported on Tuesday that the authorities had been suspecting that the system had been compromised by “suspicious” breakdowns.

A highly-placed Home Ministry source said it was probing all parties involved in operating myIMMS, a crucial system of airport security implemented about 20 years ago.

“It is believed that the system may be downed deliverately, suggesting corruption.

“Those manning and operating the electronic screening of passengers — from the authorities, airline staff and employees of the system development company are being investigated,” the source said.