The introduction of the MyBorderPass app has transformed the travel experience for Malaysians, enabling passport-less clearance at key border checkpoints. Available at the land checkpoints at BSI and KSAB in southern Johor, as well as at KLIA and KLIA 2 airports, the app simplifies travel by generating a QR code that replaces the traditional passport. With over half a million downloads, this innovative solution is gaining traction among Malaysian travelers. However, while many celebrate its convenience, concerns about data security and usability remain.
By using facial recognition technology, the MyBorderPass app allows motorcyclists at BSI to clear immigration swiftly. Despite its widespread adoption, the app is not yet supported for motorcyclists at KSAB. The app’s integration with MyDigital ID is in progress, which is expected to enhance its functionality further. With QR codes generated via the MyICA mobile app on the Singapore side, travelers by car, motorcycle, lorry, or bus can present these codes in place of passports.
Travelers have reported significant reductions in travel time, with some clearing immigration in as little as three seconds. This efficiency has garnered positive feedback, with users noting that it saves between 30 minutes to an hour compared to traditional passport checks. Ong Kian Ming highlighted the potential for faster queues if multiple travelers could clear immigration on a single QR code.
"I think this is something MyBorderPass should implement quickly, because it allows the queues to move much faster if many travellers can clear (immigration) on a single QR code,” – Ong Kian Ming
However, the app is not without its glitches. Users have experienced connectivity issues, causing delays in the immigration process. Singh expressed frustration over these delays, noting that they can hold up queues.
"This causes a delay for around a minute or two and can be quite cumbersome since it can hold up the queue,” – Singh
Security concerns also loom large, with some worrying about data protection and hacking. Gobind Singh Deo pointed out the risks of sensitive information being manipulated by threat actors.
"Sensitive information like personal details of citizens, government secrets, and security data can be manipulated by threat actors and hackers,” – Gobind Singh Deo
Nevertheless, Amirul Ariffin Lakimin reassured users that the data is solely for immigration purposes and protected under Malaysia's Personal Data Protection Act 2010.
"The data is used solely for immigration purposes and does not involve third parties, ensuring protection against data theft,” – Amirul Ariffin Lakimin
As with any new technology, improvements are ongoing. Users have suggested enhancements for greater user-friendliness and efficiency. Tan Wee Tiam emphasized the importance of addressing glitches to prevent long queues during peak periods.
"Such glitches do not happen very often, (but) it is still important to fix them as any restart or lagging issue will lead to long queues during peak periods,” – Tan Wee Tiam
Despite these challenges, many users have embraced the app's convenience. Chellannu, a motorcyclist, praised the app for making it easier to clear immigration without fumbling for passports in challenging weather conditions.
"For us bikers clearing immigration can be challenging because we have to balance the bike and search around for our passports, and sometimes it's raining heavily. This way is much better,” – Chellannu
Sarguneshwara Subramaniam recounted how his travel time across the Causeway has dramatically reduced thanks to the passport-less system.
"When I travel during off-peak hours these days, commuting across the Causeway can be done in as fast as 15 minutes, thanks to this passport-less system on both sides of the border,” – Sarguneshwara Subramaniam
The MyBorderPass app represents a significant step forward in streamlining border crossings. As developers work on refining its features and resolving glitches, users are optimistic about its potential to further improve travel efficiency.
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