KUALA LUMPUR: To strengthen protection against forgery, alteration and misuse, the new Malaysian passport, set to be rolled out 1 July 2026 (Wednesday) features 94 security elements, nearly double the previous version’s 49.
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said the enhanced features include visual, covert and forensic security elements.
He said the new passport also introduces a 10-year validity option priced at RM350, while the five-year passport remains at RM200.
“Initially, the passport will be issued at 14 state offices, including the headquarters, during the first phase before being rolled out progressively until the seventh phase. With these enhanced security features, it is much safer and harder to forge,” he told reporters here Tuesday.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched the new passport at the Immigration booth in the Dewan Rakyat lobby. Also present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and the prime minister’s wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Zakaria also presented the new passport to the prime minister during the launch.
He said the average monthly passport issuance in the country is between 180,000 and 220,000, and output is expected to increase due to high demand.
However, he advised Malaysians not to rush to replace valid passports.
“Malaysians do not need to rush to change their passports if the current ones are still valid. Only those whose passports have expired or those applying for new ones may proceed,” he said as quoted by NST.
Meanwhile the Home Ministry said, the new passport structure marks a major step in strengthening travel document security while providing greater convenience and value for Malaysians.
However, Malaysians aged 18 and above can choose between a five-year or 10-year passport based on their needs from Wednesday (2 July).
The ministry said the 10-year passport would reduce renewal frequency, save time and offer savings of RM50 compared with renewing a five-year passport twice over the same period.
It added that the new passport incorporates security technologies in line with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), maintaining Malaysia’s reputation for secure travel documents.
The new passport also features national identity elements inspired by Malaysia’s history, cultural heritage and constitutional monarchy, including the Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing butterfly as the new icon, replacing the hibiscus.
According to the ministry new-generation printing machines, capable of producing up to 60 passports an hour, would support issuance needs.
It added that the upgraded passport reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring Malaysia’s travel document remains secure, modern, reliable and aligned with international best practices.
