KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above will be able to opt for either a five-year or 10-year passport from July 1, as the country introduces its newly redesigned Malaysian International Passport featuring 94 enhanced security features.
The initiative was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today during the official unveiling ceremony at the Parliament Lobby, where the upgraded travel document was presented by Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban.
Also present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and the Prime Minister’s wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the revamped passport represents a significant upgrade in both security and user convenience, aligning with global standards while improving efficiency for travellers.
A key highlight of the rollout is the introduction of a 10-year validity option, designed to reduce the frequency of renewals and streamline travel planning for Malaysians. The ministry said this would translate into time savings and improved convenience for frequent travellers.
“The fee for the International Malaysian Passport with a 10-year validity period is RM350, while the five-year validity remains at RM200. The introduction of the 10-year option effectively gives applicants a saving of RM50,” the statement read as reported bt Bernama.
On security enhancements, the passport incorporates advanced features such as guilloche patterns, latent images, rainbow printing, line width modulation, holographic elements and ultraviolet printing, developed in line with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
Beyond security, the redesigned passport also reflects Malaysia’s national identity, drawing inspiration from its history, cultural heritage and constitutional monarchy.
A notable change is the replacement of the hibiscus motif with the Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing butterfly as the principal design element, symbolising Malaysia’s rich biodiversity and ecological heritage.
To ensure a smooth transition, the ministry said the new passport will be introduced in phases at 71 passport offices nationwide beginning in July.
Members of the public have been advised not to renew their passports prematurely, as existing documents will remain valid until they are within six months of expiry.
Earlier this year, Saifuddin Nasution announced that Malaysia would be rolling out redesigned passports and MyKad as part of broader efforts to strengthen national data security.
Malaysia currently holds third place in the 2025 Passport Index, underscoring the continued strength of its travel document on the global stage. – June 30, 2026