KUALA LUMPUR: The online passport application service will be expanded to include passports with a 10-year validity period, starting today.
The Immigration Department said members of the public can now apply online for Malaysian International Passports with five-year and 10-year validity periods.
“This initiative provides more flexibility and convenience for Malaysians to choose the validity period for their passports based on their respective needs,” the department said in a Facebook post yesterday.
Previously, it was reported that the department will be expanding the online application to include passports with a 10-year validity period.
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban had said that the expansion would take place once all passport-issuing offices locally and overseas have completed the implementation rollout and the system is confirmed to be stable.
“Currently, online applications are only available for passports with a five-year validity period.
“We will expand the online application facility for passports with a 10-year validity period gradually.”
Zakaria said the public response to the new Malaysian International Passport had been encouraging with the extended validity period, improved security features and redesigned passport, receiving positive feedback.
He said members of the public had remained calm and were able to plan their passport usage and renewals accordingly.
Between July 1 and Sept 30, Zakaria said a total of 627,142 passports were issued, comprising 541,994 with a five-year validity period and 85,148 with a 10-year validity period.
“The average waiting time for the issuance of a new passport is about one hour after payment is made, depending on the efficiency of the process and operating conditions at passport-issuing offices.
“While slight delays can occur during peak periods due to an increase in applicants, the situation remains under control.”
Zakaria also reminded the public that the old version of the passport with more than six months remains valid for travel.
The new passport, introduced since July 1, allows Malaysians aged 18 and above to choose between a five-year or 10-year validity period.
The 10-year option is priced at RM350 while the five-year passport remains at RM200.
