The Malaysian Immigration Department is currently considering extending the validity period of Malaysian passports from the current five years to 10 years.
Photo via Astro Ulagam
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail revealed that the department is actively exploring this possibility through a comprehensive survey. This survey will assess the feasibility of extending Malaysia's passport validity by studying neighbouring countries like Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore, which have already implemented 10-year passport validity.
Saifuddin Nasution expressed confidence that insights gathered from this survey would play a crucial role in shaping policy decisions regarding the transition to a 10-year validity period for Malaysian passports.
In addition to this initiative, plans are underway to establish a passport office at Kota Kinabalu International Airport in Sabah, with operations expected to commence by June. This strategic move aims to improve accessibility for communities interacting with the Immigration Department, showcasing a commitment to optimising passport services.
What's noteworthy is that the establishment of the new passport office in Kota Kinabalu will be achieved without the need for additional staff hiring.
Instead, personnel for the office will be sourced through transfers from the Immigration Department headquarters, ensuring efficient resource utilisation.
Memulakan jadual saya pagi ini dengan merasmikan Pejabat baru Pasport Shaftbury, Putrajaya. Pembukaan pejabat pasport...
Posted by Saifuddin Nasution Ismail on Sunday, 18 February 2024
"This demonstrates our dedication to facilitating communities in their dealings with the Immigration Department by expanding passport office accessibility without the burden of additional staffing," Saifuddin remarked during the inauguration of the new passport office at Skyfunnel Zone Shaftsbury Tower in Putrajaya on Monday, 19th February.
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