Group :
URL :
http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=1998&dt=0323&pub=Utusan_Express&sec=Front_Page&pg=fp_02.htm
Publisher :
Utusan Melayu (M) Bhd
Date :
23/03/1998


SAMPLES of the new Malaysian smart passports.


KUALA LUMPUR March 22 - Malaysia is set to create history in the field of information technology with the launching of a new first smart passport in the world using the sophisticated electronic technology.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, who is also Home Minister, will launch the new passport in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.

The new technology, known as 'contactless substrate', requires the passport to be checked with a special machine - 'Machine Readable Passport' or MRP - and details featured in the passport can only be read on the computer screens of the immigration counters at all entry points throughout the country.

The new technology was innovated by IRIS Technologies (M) Sdn. Bhd. with the cooperation of the Immigration Department.

The introduction of the smart passport is aimed at controlling forgery of Malaysian passports, which were reported to be in high demand in the international black markets.

The new smart passport, which features among others, digitized photograph of the bearer, will enable immigration officers to make a faster checking on the passport holders coming in and going out of the country.

The introduction of the smart passport, which cost RM40 million, is part of the modernisation projects carried out by the Immigration Department.