How Penang’s New NIISe Autogates Will Revolutionize Immigration Process and Boost Airport Efficiency in 2026

The National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe) is set to officially roll out at Penang International Airport (PIA) before Chinese New Year in February 2026, following successful testing. The new system is designed to enhance the airport’s immigration process, reducing congestion and improving overall efficiency for both arrivals and departures.

According to Wong Hon Wai, the state tourism and creative economy committee chairman, the NIISe autogates have already been tested by Malaysian travelers, with the system expected to be accessible to all passengers soon. Wong mentioned that five autogates had been installed at the departure area and are currently undergoing testing. Additionally, six more autogates are being installed at the arrival hall, and this is expected to further streamline the flow of passengers at PIA.

The new system will significantly reduce the time spent during immigration clearance. The process is expected to be shortened by about six seconds per passenger, making entry and exit faster and more efficient. This is seen as a significant improvement over the older system, which was slower and more cumbersome. The autogates will help smoothen the flow of passengers, especially during busy periods, by reducing wait times and speeding up the immigration process.

However, foreign passport holders will still be required to use manned counters for the time being, as the NIISe system is currently limited to Malaysian citizens. The new autogates will operate with passport scanning and facial recognition technology, providing a faster and more secure process for travelers.

The introduction of the NIISe system at Penang International Airport follows the successful implementation of the same system at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Ismail Mokhtar, the deputy director-general of the Border Control and Protection Agency, explained that the testing phase at PIA was crucial to ensure the system’s security and functionality before it is fully rolled out. The autogates are part of a broader nationwide upgrade to the immigration system, which includes the installation of 635 new auto-gates across various border checkpoints in Malaysia.

Travelers will have two options for using the autogates: they can either scan their passports and undergo facial recognition or use QR codes from apps such as MyBorderPass or MyNIISe, along with facial recognition. This flexibility is expected to enhance the user experience and cater to different traveler preferences.

The introduction of the NIISe system is part of the Malaysian government’s broader efforts to improve its immigration system. The new system aims to address the growing volume of international travelers visiting Malaysia and reduce delays at immigration counters, especially at busy airports like PIA. Ismail Mokhtar highlighted that while manual counters will continue to be available, the introduction of auto-gates will reduce wait times significantly, offering a smoother and more efficient travel experience for all.

In conclusion, the upcoming launch of the NIISe autogates at Penang International Airport is set to enhance the airport’s operational efficiency, making immigration procedures faster and more streamlined for Malaysian travelers and foreign visitors alike. With the system’s anticipated full implementation, Penang is expected to see a notable improvement in the passenger flow and overall airport experience. The continued efforts to modernize Malaysia’s immigration infrastructure reflect the country’s commitment to staying competitive as a key destination in Southeast Asia.

The National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe) will be fully launched at Penang International Airport (PIA) before Chinese New Year in February 2026, following successful testing. This new system, which includes autogates, is designed to streamline the immigration process, significantly reducing congestion at both arrival and departure counters. Wong Hon Wai, the state tourism and creative economy committee chairman, announced that five autogates are already in use at the departure area, with six additional gates being installed at the arrival hall. The system is expected to shorten immigration clearance by approximately six seconds per passenger, offering faster and more efficient entry and exit procedures. However, foreign passport holders will still need to use manned counters for the time being. The NIISe system is already operational at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and is part of a broader national initiative involving the installation of 635 auto-gates across Malaysia. Travelers can use either passport scanning and facial recognition or QR codes from apps like MyBorderPass for processing. This new system aims to improve Malaysia’s immigration infrastructure, reducing wait times and enhancing the overall airport experience for both Malaysian citizens and international travelers.