GEORGE TOWN, February 7 — Penang International Airport’s newly installed autogate system, operational for Malaysians since January 2026, has significantly improved immigration clearance for local travellers, but similar upgrades for foreign visitors remain pending.
State Tourism Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said following an inspection of the international arrival and departure halls this evening. Wong, who visited the airport with management and officers from the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS).
Urged the Home Ministry to expedite user acceptance testing for foreigners and to increase staffing for the newly established agency, which remains understaffed amid rising flight frequencies from China and other international routes that have led to congestion at immigration counters.
Wong highlighted that while the 12 immigration counters are fully operational, clearance for foreigners is still handled manually, causing delays during peak arrival periods. He emphasized that with Penang attracting more international flights.
Efficient immigration processes are crucial for ensuring a positive first impression for tourists, and called for swift certification of the autogates for foreign travellers alongside strengthened manpower at AKPS to maintain smooth operations.
