KUALA LUMPUR: The billion ringgit National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe) project is set to replace the Malaysian Immigration System (MyIMMs) that has become outdated and no longer capable of meeting future immigration needs, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
In a parliamentary written reply, the Home Minister however said if the existing contractor was found to be incapable of implementing the NIISe project, the government would appoint another contractor capable of implementing it to ensure the new system for immigration facilities delivery could be realised.
"The NIISe project is currently in its requirement study and design phase, which is in its 27th month since the project commenced on March 1, 2021.
"It is also expected to be operational in August 2025, and will further enhance the quality of delivering immigration facilities in the country," he said in reply to a question from Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka).
Khoo had asked the Home Ministry to provide an update on the implementation of the NIISe project, and to explain the challenges faced by the contractor of the project.
Khoo also wanted to know whether the government had made any decision on whether to proceed or cancel the project.
Saifuddin explained that his ministry was currently implementing the National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe) Project to develop a new, comprehensive, sophisticated, high-tech, integrated, user-friendly immigration system that can meet the current immigration needs in line with the latest technological advancements.
"This project aims to replace the existing system at the Immigration Department, known as the myIMMs System, which has been in operation for over 20 years," he said.
On Feb 22, the Home Ministry said that it was still determining if the disposal of equity interest by the company granted the NIISe project has breached the terms and conditions of the agreement signed with the government.
Saifuddin said had been briefed by the ministry’s officers overseeing the project, adding that the issue came to light following media reports on the share disposal exercise to another company.
According to reports on Feb 10, Iris Corporation Bhd had entered into a share sale agreement with Tass Tech Technologies Sdn Bhd to dispose of 80% of the equity interest in its unit, Iris Information Technology Systems Sdn Bhd (IITS), for RM70mil in cash.
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Iris Corp said the proposed disposal would enable the company to unlock its investment in IITS, and the disposal consideration would contribute positively to its cash flow.
IITS is the developer of the RM13bil NIISe project.
The Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is reportedly investigating a former prime minister and his son-in-law in relation to the project.
