The Malaysian Immigration Department is preparing to offer passports with a 10-year validity, home minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail revealed. He made this announcement during the inauguration of the Sabah immigration department’s new passport issuing office at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA).
Saifuddin stated that the study to extend the passport validity has been completed, and Malaysia is now ready to move forward with this initiative. This change aligns Malaysia with neighbouring countries like Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore, as well as nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, and France – all of which already issue 10-year passports.
He clarified that the current five-year passport validity will still be available, with the 10-year validity as an additional option. On that note, the minister remarked that the latter will cost more than the former, but did not provide an estimated price. Additionally, the implementation date for the 10-year Malaysian passport will be announced as soon as studies on the matter is completed
Meanwhile, the new office at KKIA marks Malaysia’s first passport issuing facility at an airport, with plans to introduce additional services like limited travel papers in the future. The office, which operates from 8am to 5pm on Monday to Friday, has been in operation for two weeks, initially processing applications for international passports.
(Source: Bernama / Saifuddin Nasution [Facebook])
