MyTravelPass to help those seeking entry or exit permits during Covid-19

New and improved: Khairul Dzaimee (right) and the Immigration Department’s Record and Information Technology Division director Rosfan Hashim introducing the MyTravelPass system during a press conference in Putrajaya. — MOHD SAHAR MISNI/The Star

PUTRAJAYA: The Immigration Department has launched the MyTravelPass system, which will make it easier for Malaysians and foreigners to apply for entry or exit permits during the Covid-19 period. It would reduce the application time to a maximum of five days, said Immigration director-general Datuk Khairul Dzaimee Daud.

“Before this, applications to enter or exit the country by Malaysians and foreigners were done through email.

“The department has been swamped with between 5,000 and 6,000 emails a day, causing a delay in the applications. We received many complaints from applicants because of this.

“With that, the Immigration Department has taken a proactive step by introducing the MyTravelPass system which uses a ‘single window’.

“This will ease the application process, ” Khairul Dzaimee told a press conference yesterday.

Currently, Malaysia’s international borders are closed because of

the Covid-19 pandemic and only a select group of categories are exempted, though most of them require prior permission from the Immigration Department.

Among the categories that can be applied for via the MyTravelPass system are entry and exit applications for foreign expatriates and their dependents, permanent residents, Malaysia My Second Home holders and foreign maids.

Entry applications for the Singapore Reciprocal Green Lane and the Periodical Commuting Arrangement can also be done through the portal.

Khairul Dzaimee said in the past, it would take up to 10 days for the applications to be processed.

“Now it is easier to apply. Of course, the approval is another matter. Once the application is submitted, an email will be sent to acknowledge it.

“Within three to five days, the approval or rejection will be confirmed via email as well, ” he added.

Khairul Dzaimee said the system was developed by the department’s information technology division internally and without using outside funds.

He added that for Malaysians and foreigners who are in the categories where they are allowed to leave or enter the country without permit, they do not need to apply on MyTravelPass.

“The people are advised to read and understand the instructions and application procedures before making their application though MyTravelPass, ” he said.

The MyTravelPass system can be accessed at https://mtp.imi.gov.my/