JOHOR BAHRU, 9 August 2026 – Expertise from the Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), has gained national media attention following a proposal to strengthen Malaysia’s border security through a risk-based smart screening system powered by advanced technologies and artificial intelligence (AI).
Prof. Dr. Suhairul Hashim from the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, UTM, highlighted the need for a more intelligent and technology-driven approach to border screening as cross-border movement between Malaysia and Singapore is expected to increase significantly with the commencement of the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link.
Speaking to Bernama, Prof. Dr. Suhairul explained that conventional inspection approaches may no longer be sufficient to manage the enormous volume of people and vehicles moving through major land gateways such as the Johor Causeway and the Malaysia–Singapore Second Link. The challenge is expected to become even greater with the RTS Link, which is projected to accommodate up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction.
Science and Technology for Smarter Screening
Rather than increasing physical inspections for every traveller, Prof. Dr. Suhairul proposed a risk-based smart screening ecosystem that integrates technologies such as AI, real-time data analytics, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), facial recognition, dual-energy scanning, computed tomography (CT) scanning and behavioural analysis.
Such an approach could enable authorities to identify higher-risk individuals or vehicles for further assessment while allowing the majority of travellers to move efficiently through border checkpoints. Importantly, the concept demonstrates how science, instrumentation, data analytics and intelligent technologies can be integrated to address complex challenges involving both security and mobility.
Prof. Dr. Suhairul also emphasised that technology alone is not sufficient. Effective implementation requires strong personnel integrity, continuous training, robust auditing and careful monitoring of access to critical information and infrastructure. Screening effectiveness similarly depends on factors such as risk analysis, intelligence, operational design and enforcement strategies.
Technology That Inspires Solutions
The national attention given to this proposal demonstrates how expertise developed within the Faculty of Science can extend beyond laboratories and academic publications to inform conversations on challenges of national importance.
The concept of intelligent border screening is particularly relevant as Malaysia moves towards increasingly connected transportation infrastructure. It illustrates how fundamental scientific expertise can support the development and adoption of technologies that are smarter, faster, data-driven and responsive to societal needs.
Prof. Dr. Suhairul, who was recognised as a Top Research Scientist Malaysia (TRSM) 2020 by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, represents the Faculty’s commitment to translating scientific knowledge into ideas capable of creating broader societal impact.
This contribution reflects the Faculty of Science’s mission to advance frontier and transformative research while applying scientific knowledge for universal well-being. It also resonates with the aspirations of UTM ASCEND 2030, where research excellence, technological advancement and humanity-centred impact are integral to the University’s future direction.
Through researchers who contribute their expertise to emerging national and global challenges, the Faculty of Science continues to demonstrate that impactful science is not only about discovering new knowledge—it is also about inspiring technologies, shaping solutions and creating a smarter and more sustainable future.
Media Coverage
The expert views were featured by Bernama on 6 August 2026 and subsequently reported by other media outlets.
Bernama – RTS: Develop Smart Border Screening System, Conventional Methods Insufficient – Expert
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