All About Malaysia Passport

1. Travel Documents and Passport

The PASSPORT is a government-issued document that verifies the holder’s identity and citizenship and entitles them to visit and from foreign countries under the government’s protection. It is recognized as a valid travel document by the Malaysian government.

Passport/Travel Document Possession

The ownership of passport/travel document lies with the Malaysian government. It can be discarded/revoked/Invalidated at any time if the Immigration Department determines that it has been misused in violation of the Passport Act 1966. The passport/travel document’s holder is entirely responsible for its protection.

2. Passport/Visa/Travel Documents That Have Been Damaged

A new passport can be obtained by sending an application for a replacement passport to the nearest Immigration Office; approval is subject to the Immigration Department’s discretion.

3. Passport/Travel Document Has Been Misplaced

Immediately a Police Report should be filed, and the immigration office should be notified of the loss. A replacement passport application may be made at the nearest Immigration Office by sending the application form and supporting documentation, a photocopy of the police report, and any other photographic evidence that may be necessary. The panel’s decision on whether or not to approve the application for a replacement passport is final.

Malaysian Passport ICAO Version

On February 2, 2010, Minister of Home Affairs Dato ‘Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein launched the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) electronic passport version.

ICAO standards are guidelines and standards for travel documents used to track movement in and out of countries.

ICAO is a United Nations (UN) specialized agency headquartered in Montreal, Canada, founded in 1947. The UN mandates ICAO to develop and prescribe requirements and specifications for the International Passport that member countries must meet.

The ICAO’s passport requirements are as follows:

• High-resolution images allow more precise face recognition.
• Document certification – transition from Secured Access Module (SAM) to Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) – other countries can read data stored in the electronic chip.
• Organize data – provide additional space for data entry
• Shift from a proprietary (closed) system to an open system using biometrics (open)

The ICAO has released a revised version of its passport template.

• On page 47, you can find information about passport holders.
• Each visa page features a photograph of a Malaysian structure or landmark.
• 48-page book
• Personal data of the passport holder on page 2.
• Page 3 has a signature room.

Implementing the ICAO e-passport version is critical for improving the e-passport system’s overall security, operational performance, and effectiveness.

The reason for making the transition from the present e-passport to the ICAO e-passport is to:

• Thwart fraud and safeguard the citizens of Malaysia’s identity (the chip cannot be tampered with);
• Provide a more effective screening process for high-risk foreign visitors;
• Enhancing the security of travel documentation;
• Maintain uniformity among ICAO member countries’ travel documents
• Malaysian passport forgery must be curtailed and eliminated.
• Ensure that genuine travelers get a more free-flowing service.

The implementation of the ICAO e-passport version enables individuals to benefit more effectively from the service delivery system. It enables Malaysian people to travel freely at international border crossing points. Interoperable documents attest to the accuracy or validity of the details contained in the passport holder’s record. Travelers should take advantage of the comfort provided by electronic services and automatic inspection doors (auto gates) established by ICAO member countries worldwide. (Countries that provide these services).