Malaysia’s upgraded passport debuts on July 1 with ICAO-compliant security, a new butterfly icon and options for five- or 10-year validity.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians aged 18 and above can apply for a 10-year passport for the first time beginning tomorrow following the launch of the country’s new-generation Malaysian International Passport (PMA) by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today.
The upgraded passport features a redesigned structure incorporating 94 advanced security features, almost double the 49 found in the current version, to strengthen protection against forgery and ensure Malaysia’s travel document remains among the world’s most trusted.
Available from July 1, the new passport allows eligible Malaysians to choose between a five-year or 10-year validity period based on their travel needs.
The Home Affairs Ministry (KDN) said the introduction of the 10-year passport is expected to reduce the frequency of renewals, saving users both time and money while providing greater convenience for domestic and international travel.
The fee for the 10-year passport has been set at RM350, while the five-year passport will remain at RM200.
The government said the longer validity period offers savings of RM50 compared with renewing a five-year passport twice over a decade.
KDN described the new passport as a major step forward in strengthening the security of Malaysia’s travel documents while delivering greater value to citizens.
To counter increasingly sophisticated global security threats, the passport incorporates 94 security features spanning visual, covert and forensic elements.
These include guilloche patterns, latent images, rainbow printing, line width modulation, holograms and ultraviolet (UV) printing, all designed to prevent forgery, alteration and misuse.
“Malaysia was among the first countries in the world to introduce an electronic passport in 1998.
“The latest version continues that legacy by integrating advanced security technologies that comply with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ensuring continued international recognition as a secure and reliable travel document,” the ministry said.
Beyond security enhancements, the passport also showcases Malaysia’s national identity through historical, cultural and constitutional monarchy elements.
One of its most significant changes is the introduction of the Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing butterfly as the passport’s new signature icon, replacing the hibiscus featured on the current passport.
The butterfly was chosen to symbolise Malaysia’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage.
The new passport will be rolled out in phases across all 71 passport offices nationwide beginning this month to ensure a smooth transition.
The Immigration Department’s new-generation printing machines are capable of producing up to 60 passports an hour, supporting the current monthly demand of around 160,000 passports.
However, the government advised Malaysians not to rush to replace their existing passports if they remain valid, stressing that current passports can continue to be used until six months before their expiry date.
