Dewan Rakyat Tackles School Dropout Crisis and Expands Autogate Facilities

By Loshinniy Nair S.Baskaran,

The Dewan Rakyat session on December 2, 2024, will address critical issues impacting Malaysia, particularly the rising school dropout rates and the enhancement of autogate facilities at national entry points.

During today’s session, lawmakers will discuss the alarming increase in school dropouts, exploring potential strategies to keep students engaged in education. This issue has raised concerns about the long-term impacts on society and the economy.

In addition, the session will highlight the government’s initiative to install 40 new autogates at major entry points, including Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). This expansion aims to streamline immigration processes and manage the growing influx of travelers post-pandemic. Currently, autogates significantly reduce processing times from an average of 30 minutes to just 10-15 seconds, alleviating congestion at immigration checkpoints.

The Immigration Department has reported over 34 million travelers this year alone, indicating a pressing need for efficient border control measures. The introduction of these additional autogates is timely, especially with Malaysia set to host significant events like the ASEAN Summit and Visit Malaysia Year in 2026, enhancing the travel experience for both locals and international visitors, as stated in THE STAR.