Immigration Dept Must Embrace AI To Raise Quality Of Delivery, Efficiency - Saifuddin

PUTRAJAYA, July 21 (Bernama) -- The Immigration Department must embrace the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in services to raise the quality of delivery to the public and efficiency of department operations. 

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said AI integration in the department would indirectly boost productivity and revenue collection for the country.

“Previously, the Immigration Department didn’t embrace but now it does so what’s going to happen? Firstly, productivity will go up. Secondly, a faster delivery system and thirdly, if it relates to revenue collection, that will go up as well. This is the measure that we must look at when we talk about embracing AI,” he said during his speech when officiating the 103rd Immigration Day, with the theme ‘AI leading Immigration Reforms’, here today.

He also suggested that the department send officers and personnel to follow special AI courses or programmes at local universities for a period of time.

“Give them leave for a week or two and introduce them to AI-related knowledge. Develop skills to use the rapidly-developing AI tools. For instance, most globally renowned companies using AI technology include Alibaba from China,” he said.

Saifuddin said that the Immigration Department needed to implement people-centric approaches and improvements in its service in line with the intentions of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“Our approach must be people-centric, At the core, it’s the people, that’s why we need to have improvements to procedures and make things simpler.

“If we need to improvise the system, do it, because we will still remain as the forefront that provides services to the majority of the public,” he said. 

He also pointed out that the Immigration Department needed to reaffirm its commitment to integrity by implementing a zero-tolerance policy against any form of corruption or misconduct.

“I hope that the department can give its full commitment in the aspect of integrity as it is the core of our services.

“Wherever misconduct is reported, action must be swift and strengthen an ethical work culture among department staff,” he said, adding that collaboration with the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission can be conducted to boost integrity.

-- BERNAMA