KUCHING, Jan 14: The number of immigration checkpoints at international airports is set to be increased to six as compared to four currently, says Dato Seri Tiong King Sing.
The Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) Minister in a Facebook post today said he has have submitted a proposal to the Home Affairs Ministry (KDN) for consideration in order to accommodate the large flow of passengers, including at KLIA2.
“Currently there are 40 counters, but only 20 counters are open.
“I also request the consideration of the KDN to open all 40 counters to shorten the time of the immigration inspection process for a large number of passengers and large flights,” he said.
Tiong noted, with the issue of flight frequency which has yet fully recovered, now there is also the issue of congestion at immigration check counters.
In addition, he said, there were also some passengers who complained that they were stranded at the airport for three hours.
“The additional immigration checkpoints counters are needed at international airports to improve services at the country’s entry and exit gates,” he opined.
On the same note, Tiong called on the relevant departments and agencies to work together to improve and find solutions to expedite the inspection process.
He emphasised that the tourism sector is the key to the recovery of the country’s economy, and the airport is the ‘first impression’ location that tourists will pass through when they arrive in this country.
“Therefore, the improvement of these systems and processes is an urgent need,” he said. — DayakDaily
