KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 ― The government will appoint a vendor to integrate and coordinate the flawed Malaysian Immigration System (myIMMs).
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in a recent exclusive interview with Malay Mail, said the government would not replace the system but that the National Immigration Control System (SKIN) would help improve myIMMs and supporting mechanics.
“This is a step in the right direction to improve the current system. I admit it needs improvement and there must not be any delays,” he said.
“Our problem right now is that the mechanics within myIMMs are not talking the same language ... they are not in sync. A single window would be able to coordinate the system better.”
He said the appointment of a new vendor was decided by the Cabinet after a study on the problem was carried out in October.
Malay Mail had on May 18, first revealed the flaws within myIMMs that allowed individuals to enter and exit the KL International Airport (KLIA) easily.
Authorities, in admitting the flaws, later revealed the system was sabotaged by those working with human smuggling syndicates. Over 100 Immigration personnel and airline staff among others, were questioned by police. Some were investigated under security laws while over 700 Immigration personnel manning counters at KLIA and klia2 were replaced.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan had in October said the ministry was mulling to replace myIMMs, pending a review of the system.
“The study also covered other teething problems faced by the operators. We expect the new plan to be executed within the next six months.”
It was reported Prestariang Bhd was last year appointed to provide SKIN — a RM6 billion project to upgrade the nation’s immigration system and tighten security at borders.
In July, a daily quoted a source as saying the government may repackage the 12-year contract and award it in smaller work packages instead.
The Auditor-General’s 2015 report, released last month, stated that the RM29.9 million myIMMS was not up to mark.
The report highlighted discrepancies in the contract management where the agreement period was earlier than the date of approval and the Letter of Acceptance, while payment worth RM22.64 million was not supported with complete documentation.
On the implementation of the system, full payment for uninstalled and unused biometric system and equipment worth RM10.30 million had been made.
The A-G recommended the shortcomings be addressed.
In September, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) decided there was no need to replace myIMMS but that the system needed to improve from time to time.
Its chairman Datuk Hasan Ariffin said the committee’s investigations showed the system had won many awards and should be retained but there was a need to improve the operational skills of the Immigration Department personnel handling it.
