SEPANG (Feb 2, 2010): The new international passport, which complies with the standard set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), will ease the passage of Malaysian travellers at overseas entry points, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said today.

He said recognition from ICAO is important so that the Malaysian passport is benchmarked at the international level and its security features remain at par with 74 other ICAO member countries.

"The passport has an inter-operability capacity whereby the authenticity or validity of the information on the passport holder with the travel document could be verified at the international entry points," he said after launching the ICAO-version e-passport at KL International Airport (KLIA).

"Travellers also can enjoy the e-service and auto-gate facilities provided by all ICAO members around the world."

Hishammuddin said the new version of the e-passport will be implemented in stages beginning with the Klang Valley, Johor and Pahang this month, to be followed with the whole country from March to May.

From July to August, it would also cover passports issued by all offices which issue the Malaysian passport overseas.

The ICAO standard which must be complied includes a change in its biometric format from the propriety system to the open system, a higher resolution image and document verification from the Secured Access Module to Public Key Infrastructure.

"The need to change from the current passport to an ICAO-compliance one is based on the need to enhance the integrity of the passport, ensure uniformity and curtail passport forging activities," he said.

"It could also curb thefts and protect the identity of Malaysians using a chip which could not be forged, tighten security control at the entry points, focus more on screening high-risk travellers and facilitate genuine travellers."

The new version passport costs the same as the present passport -- at RM300 for a five-year period and RM100 for a two-year period.

It also does not involve any extra costs to the government as it is implemented through the current contract. -- theSun