ULANBATOR (Mongolia): The Malaysian Government will implement the Advance Passenger Screening System (APSS) to curb the influx of militants into this country.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the APSS will allow access to complete information on foreigners, including tourists, at their place of departure and entry in “real time”.

Via the APSS, data from parties such as Interpol, the Department of Civil Aviation and the airlines will enable the authorities to detect false passports and travel documents.

“We are at the formality stage of implementation.

“Three-quarters of countries in the world have implemented this system.

“We will bring it before the National Economic Council and the Cabinet to decide the date of implementation,” he told a press conference with Malaysian journalists after arrival here to attend the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem) Summit.

On Wednesday, the Cabinet rejected a proposal by the National Security Council (MKN) to introduce visas to nationals of Middle Eastern countries who enter Malaysia.

Zahid said the decision was made as it was unfair to impose visas on travellers from the Middle East as they contribute RM2.6 billion to the country’s foreign exchange.

Moreover, the Immigration Department has its own ways to prevent Islamic State (Daesh) militants from coming in, adding that such people also come from neighbouring countries.

A total of 138 militants have been detained following police cooperation with Interpol and other intelligence agencies.

“They will be separated from other prisoners and detained in a special block in Kamunting (Taiping). This is to prevent them from influencing other prisoners.”

On reports that Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division Principal Assistant Director Ayob Khan had received death threats from militants, Zahid said the government was aware of the group’s wanted list.

“We do not take it lightly and focus on the safety of individuals. The Special Branch will continue to monitor the situation.”