More than 1 million passports issued since January, says Home Ministry

KUALA LUMPUR: More than one million passports have been issued by the Immigration Department since January this year, the Dewan Rakyat heard.

The Home Ministry said there were a total of 1,116,730 passports issued from January up till July 15 this year.

"The number of applications received since the borders reopened on April 1 up till July 15 stood at 803,011 (passports)," said the Home Ministry in a written reply dated July 19 (Tuesday).

The Home Ministry was responding to Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (PH-Ledang), who asked about current issues faced in the application and issuance of new passports.

Syed Ibrahim also asked the Home Ministry to explain the steps taken to address the issue.

The Home Ministry explained that issues with passport renewals and applications were due to the reopening of international borders and Malaysian pilgrims wanting to fulfil the fifth pillar of Islam.

To address the influx of passport renewals and applications, the ministry cooperated with the Immigration Department, by implementing an online system through the MyIMMS portal.

"Therefore, those wanting to apply or renew their passports can apply online and collect their passports at the nearest Immigration Department," the ministry said.

However, the ministry said only the Putrajaya passport office can process online applications for the renewal of Malaysian International Passports (PMA).

"Only applicants who received email notification will be served," added the ministry.

It was previously reported that the Immigration Department faced an influx of passport applications following the reopening of borders in April, where many Malaysians had complained of long waits.