Group :
URL :
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/01/326510/more-160000-new-look-passports-issued-nov-15
Publisher :
New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad
Editor :
HASHINI KAVISHTRI KANNAN
Date :
18/01/2018

Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali said throughout last year, more than two million passports, including the new version, have been issued in Malaysia and the department's representatives abroad. (pix by AHMAD IRHAM MOHD NOOR)

PUTRAJAYA: The Immigration Department has issued a total of 162,672 of the new and improved Malaysian international passports since it was introduced on Nov 15, last year.

Its director-general Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali said throughout last year, more than two million passports, including the new version, have been issued in Malaysia and the department's representatives abroad.

"On the first day of the introduction, 45 passports were successfully printed and handed over to the applicants without any issues," he said.

Apart from the colourful and attractive design, the upgraded passport comes with a host of enhanced security features including an embedded chip in the polycarbonate personal particulars page. Previously, the chip was placed in the back cover.

In the meantime, Mustafar said the Malaysian Immigration Attaché Office in Melbourne can now issued the upgraded passport.

"The application and issuance of the new international passport can be carried out officially at the Malaysian Immigration Attaché Office in Melbourne from yesterday (Jan 17)," he said.

Consul-General of Malaysia in Melbourne Westmoreland Palon handed over the new passport to the first recipient at 10.50am (Australian time).

"Penang-born Chin Shu Huoy, who is a permanent resident in Australia, was shocked when she received the passport from Palon."

"She said she was proud and happy about the service which was smooth and simple although its was done outside Malaysia," Mustafar added.

The simple ceremony was witnessed by Penang Immigration Department director Meor Hezbullah Meor Abd Malik, Sabah deputy director Salmi Farina Salim and several consular officers in Melbourne.

"Technical personnel from the department's technical and supply company were also present to monitor any issues which may arise as well as to ensure smooth application process." he added.

It was reported that the new version of Malaysian passports, equipped with enhanced safety features, would signal an end to the problem of forged travel documents.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi officially launched the new travel document on Jan 11.