PETALING JAYA — The Immigration Department has officially announced that the introduction of the new Malaysian international passport will be postponed from its initial launch date of June 1.
Director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban stated today that a new launch date for the highly anticipated travel document will be announced at a later period.
“This is to ensure the smooth delivery of services and to maintain the best possible experience for the public in handling their affairs,” Zakaria said in an official statement.
Existing Passports Remain Valid for Public Use
The department assured citizens that the postponement will not disrupt current travel arrangements or documentation processes. Members of the public are encouraged to continue renewing their existing passports through standard procedures at all immigration offices and online portals.
Furthermore, all currently active passports will remain fully usable and legally valid until their designated expiry dates. To understand how this transition impacts regular travel requirements and visa applications, read the essential guide on Malaysian Renewal Protocols and Document Validity.
Zakaria added that the department is committed to keeping citizens informed, noting that official updates regarding the new passport rollout timeline will be made periodically through the department’s verified communication channels.
Enhanced Security Framework
When the new passport eventually launches, it will represent a massive technological leap in national border security. The upcoming version is set to feature 94 security elements, which is a major increase from the 49 safeguards embedded within the current document design.
These stringent updates are engineered specifically to stop fake passports and illegal copying. Key physical upgrades include,
- Enhanced multidimensional holograms embedded into the data page.
- Complex ultraviolet printing visible only under specific border control scanners.
- Specialised security thread woven directly into the structural stitching of the booklet.
“The department greatly appreciates the cooperation and continued support from the public and remains committed to strengthening the security of the nation’s travel documents and providing the best possible services to the people,” Zakaria concluded
