Brunei, Malaysia FTC Launched
By Azlan Othman
Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei and Malaysia reached another historical milestone in their cooperation with the successful implementation of the first-ever frequent Travellers Card (FTC) project. This would set an example to other nations to facilitate businessmen people and the public in business dealings in Asean, Brunei's Minister of Home Affairs said yesterday.
Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Adanan said, what was more pleasing to note was that the smart card is not only a multi-purpose card used for identity and store individual information domestically, but its creative and innovative use has reached beyond the two nations' borders with the use of FTC readers in both countries. He said, at the outset it will be used at Sg Tujuh Control Post bordering Miri and Kuala Belait and later extended in stages to Kuala Lurah immigration post-Tedungan in Limbang, and immigration control posts in Puni-Pandaruan bordering Temburong and Limbang, as well as other control posts that are considered appropriate. Pehin Dato Hj Adanan said though the project is to facilitate travellers, we should not take the security aspect lightly. Security remains our top priority he added. |
Hence, as an additional security, especially for FTC holders and the nation, the system is capable of using finger scan to ensure the FTC cardholder is genuine. The capability of the system to trace the authenticity of the cardholder will be crucial towards the successful implementation of the project. |
Meanwhile, Dato' Seri Mohd Radzi, Minister of Home Affairs of Malaysia, in his return speech said the joint implementation of the FTC project is truly a momentous occasion in facilitating and automating immigration clearances for Malaysia and Brunei citizens who frequently cross the border without compromising both countries' standards of security.
Subsequently, this FTC project will be followed by Mengkalap, Malaysia/Labu, Brunei and seaports at Labuan, Malaysia and Serasa, Brunei. The success of this project may, in turn, lead to similar developments in other Asean countries, Dato' Seri Mohd Radzi added.
Pehin Dato Hj Adanan also said that the programme to establish the smart card for both countries was mooted way back in 1998 leading to the agreement to set up a pilot project under the technical coordinating committee of both departments. There were technical issues that needed to be solved before the FTC was achieved.
FTC is aimed at facilitating and smoothening cross-border movements of both nationalities who fulfill the rules set out by the immigration departments of both countries. FTC could save time for travellers at Sg Tujuh in Miri and Kuala Belait. It exempts the process of filling out embarkation and disembarkation cards and reduces the number of chops on passports.
It is also in line with the rapid development of ICT that drives towards paperless concept, and cuts down red tape. It facilitates the public, especially business people and frequent travellers.
Based on 2005 statistics, 228 FTC applications were received in Brunei/Muara and 162 in Belait, out of which 149 have been endorsed in Brunei/Muara and 127 in Belait. Only two applications were rejected and five are yet to be processed (applications were received after Dec 31, 2005, the period when the pilot project expired). Fifteen applications were kept in view (KIV) as they did not use machine-readable passports.
-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin, 11 September 2007