Malaysia is holding talks with China to implement the e-port system, said Second International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan.
The system was proposed by China and Malaysia was keen to be part of it.
“We feel the idea is very good to cut down on red tape among participating countries.
“We hope the important details can be sorted out by next year,” he said after presenting appointment certificates to speakers of MCA political school in Wisma MCA on Monday.
Amongst others, the system involved paperless submission and other improvements which would have to be agreed upon by participating countries and standardised.
“Similar to a bar code before boarding a flight, one just needs to scan it at the point of entry.
“Electronic inspections can be carried out through the surveillance system on both sides,” he said.
Ong said all necessary documents would be received by the authorities well before arrival to ensure a smoother clearance process.
He said major ports such as Port Klang, Penang and Johor could adopt the system first before it was implemented nationwide.
Ong said delegations from China and several other nations were in the country and that discussions on the e-port mechanism was part and parcel of the on-going trade talks.
On a separate matter, he said the Penang government and Education Ministry should sort out their differences ahead of the Merdeka Day celebrations.
He said the issue should be handled in a professional way as students were caught in the middle.
The national day celebration should not be politicised, he said.
The Penang government was adamant to go ahead with its state level parade without the involvement of students after a circular by the state education department barred students from taking part.
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