Immigration Department introduces mobile computers

PUTRAJAYA: All illegal foreigners will be easily detected now with the introduction of the Mobile Immigration Enforcement System (MIES).

The system has computers which can read identification cards and thumbprints and detect fake documents.

The computers cost RM9,000 each and the Government has 100 ready for enforcement units nationwide.

Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad said yesterday Malaysia was the first country to introduce the MIES.

He said with the system, foreigners had a way to prove their legality.

“If they do not have their passports on them, their thumbprint can be the last alternative to trace their data.

“So far one million foreigners’ thumbprints have been collected using the bio-metric system,” he said, adding that it would take about another year to collect all foreigners’ thumbprints in the country.

Radzi added that police and Rela officers would also use the computers during checks.

“The MyKad can also be verified using the MIES computer,” he said, adding that fake MyKad cases could be easily traced and weeded out.

Despite having the MIES, Radzi said the existing MyKad readers in all Government departments would continue to be used.