Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has challenged his staff to think beyond routine solutions, suggesting an artificial-intelligence kiosk that could help tourists communicate and make reports in their own language. A practical use for AIThe proposed kiosk would use AI translation to assist visitors who do not speak Bahasa Malaysia or English. Rather than relying on a limited list of supported languages, the idea is to make public services more accessible to tourists from a wider range of countries. A visitor could describe a problem in their own language and receive help in a form they understand. Support when tourists need it mostThe concept could be particularly useful when tourists need to report lost property, scams, theft, accidents or other problems. Language barriers can make an already stressful situation much harder, especially when a visitor is unfamiliar with local procedures. An AI-assisted service point could help gather the basic details and direct users to the appropriate agency. Innovation over old habitsSaifuddin’s challenge reflects a wider push for public agencies to apply AI to real problems rather than treat it as a distant or specialist technology. He has previously said Malaysia should focus on practical AI use, including helping authorities keep pace with increasingly sophisticated digital crime. What it means for foreigners in MalaysiaNo such kiosk has been announced as an operational service. But if developed, it could make reporting problems and finding assistance easier for foreign visitors, particularly in airports, tourist areas and major transport hubs. 14.09.2026
