ALOR STAR, Aug 26 (Bernama) -- The electronic vehicle information system (e-vis), now on a trial run at the border entry points, will facilitate the detection of stolen vehicles to prevent them from being smuggled to other countries.

Customs director-general Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Hamid said with the system, vehicles owned by locals to be taken abroad must be registered with the department.

" Registration can be done from home through the Internet or at the nearest Customs office to get the PIN number and the card that is valid for three months but renewable upon expiry," he told reporters after the Kedah Customs Department's staff monthly assembly here Sunday.

" The driver only needs to show the PIN number and vehicle to Customs officers at the border entry point."

He said during the trial period, which began three weeks ago, vehicle owners could voluntarily register with the department.

" Action against those who fail to follow the procedures will be decided later, while the vehicle reported stolen will be detained," said Abdul Rahman without divulging when the enforcement would take effect.

" The signs are positive based on the trial run at Bukit Kayu Hitam last week."

He said the system was mainly being tried in Labuan, and at the Kedah and Sarawak border before being extended to Kelantan and Langkawi.

The e-vis, created by the department through a competition, would be introduced to the police and Immigration Department for an integrated application, he added.