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The changes introduce new requirements for passenger data, biometric verification, and the use of automated systems across air, sea, and train travel.
Malaysia has tabled the Immigration (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Passports (Amendment) Bill 2025 in Parliament, outlining a series of updates aimed at strengthening border management and modernising the country’s entry and exit processes. The amendments cover new definitions, procedures, and obligations for travellers and transport operators, including the introduction of automated systems for identity verification.
Below is a summary of what was covered in each Bill.
Immigration (Amendment) Bill 2025
1) Short title and commencement
The Bill will be cited as the Immigration (Amendment) Act 2025, with the start date to be appointed by the Minister.
2) Updated and new definitions
The first amendment introduces several new terms into the principal Act. These include advance passenger information, automated system, biometric data, passenger name record and personal identifier. The definitions of crew, passenger and stowaway were updated to include train travel.
3) New requirement for trains
A new section, 18A, requires drivers of trains entering Malaysia to stop at an authorised point of entry. Failure to do so without reasonable cause constitutes an offence.
4) Passenger name record and advance passenger information
Under the newly added section 21A, masters of vessels, captains of aircraft and drivers of trains arriving in or departing Malaysia must furnish passenger name records and advance passenger information in the prescribed form and timeframe. Failure to submit, or submitting false information, is an offence.
5) Inspection and reporting duties
Section 22 is amended to require vessel masters, aircraft captains and train drivers to present crew or passengers for inspection, allow searches of their transport, and report any stowaways or unauthorised individuals on board. Non-compliance is an offence.
6) Personal identifier and biometric data
The Bill inserts a new section, 22a, requiring every person entering Malaysia to provide personal identifier and biometric data. Immigration officers may prohibit entry if this is refused.
7) Automated and manual examination at borders
Section 24 is amended to state that all persons arriving by sea or air will undergo examination either by an immigration officer or through an automated system. This examination will include verification of personal identifiers and biometric data. If the automated process cannot be completed, the traveller must appear before an officer.
8) Land entries and unauthorised arrival points
Section 26 is updated so that anyone entering Malaysia by land, or arriving at any unauthorised point, must proceed to an authorised entry point and undergo examination, either manually or through an automated system.
9) Consequential amendments involving rail travel
Sections 34, 42, 43, 47, 48, 48A, 49A, 51, 55A and 55E are amended to include references to train travel alongside vessels and aircraft. These updates support the expanded scope of border control.
10) Regulations on passenger data submission
Section 54 is amended to empower the Minister to prescribe the form, manner and timeline for submitting passenger name records and advance passenger information.
11) Internal travel via automated system
Section 72 is amended to require travellers moving between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia to provide internal travel documents through an automated system.
Passports (Amendment) Bill 2025
1) Short title and commencement
The Bill will be known as the Passports (Amendment) Act 2025 and will come into force on a date appointed by the Minister.
2) Automated passport presentation
The Bill amends section 2 of the Passports Act 1966 to allow individuals entering or leaving Malaysia to produce their passports either to an immigration officer or through an automated system. This aligns the Act with the automated examination processes introduced in the Immigration Act.
Moving towards a more digital border experience
Both Bills signal Malaysia’s continued shift towards digital, data-driven border operations. With the introduction of automated systems, biometric checks and expanded data requirements, the changes aim to improve the efficiency of border clearance while supporting national security objectives.
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