Malaysia has begun a five-month trial of its National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe) allowing Singaporeans and other foreign travellers to clear Johor land checkpoints using QR codes from 22 Sep 2025.
The MyNIISe mobile application enables visitors from 63 countries and territories, including Singapore, to access simplified border clearance at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) customs complex linked to Woodlands Causeway and Sultan Abu Bakar immigration complex connected to Tuas Second Link. The trial period will run until 28 Feb 2026.
The new system processes more than 300,000 daily border crossers through enhanced digital infrastructure. Twenty-seven booths at the main Johor Bahru checkpoint and 24 booths at the Second Link currently support MyNIISe functionality.
Group travellers can use a single QR code to clear immigration together, eliminating the individual scanning requirement of the current MyBorderPass system. The technology incorporates artificial intelligence features including facial recognition, iris scanning and biometric identification systems.
So, does that mean we can head to Malaysia without our passports, since Singapore is kind of passport-free?
Well, no.
Passport Requirements Remain
Despite QR code functionality, travellers must still carry their passports and valid travel documents as mandated by Malaysian immigration law. Malaysia’s Home Ministry emphasises that physical documentation remains necessary for compliance with the Immigration Act 1959.
And here’s the thing: Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority similarly requires travellers to bring passports when travelling overseas, stating that passports remain the official travel document for identification during international travel.
The QR code system functions only for immigration clearance at land checkpoints via car, motorcycle, lorry and bus.
Singapore’s Existing QR Code System
Singapore implemented QR code immigration clearance at its land checkpoints on 19 Mar 2024 through the MyICA mobile application. All travellers can use the system except first-time foreign visitors and those re-entering Singapore with different passports from their previous visit.
Foreign visitors must present their physical passports for initial entry into Singapore, after which they become eligible for QR code clearance on subsequent trips. Travellers need enrolled biometric identifiers with ICA or MOM to access automated immigration lanes.
Airport Rollout and Future Plans
The NIISe system will expand to five major Malaysian airports in phases, including Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminals 1 and 2, plus airports in Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.
Malaysia plans full implementation of QR code clearance for travellers from 63 countries beginning 1 Jan 2026. The system aims to reduce immigration officer requirements by nearly 60 per cent, enabling redeployment to other areas.
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