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KUALA LUMPUR – In a bid to combat long queues and waiting times, the Immigration Department is looking to set up an online passport renewal and application process by June 1.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that the implementation of this online application system will involve three Immigration Department branches, namely in Kajang, Kelana Jaya and Wangsa Maju.
The three locations were chosen due to a record-high number of applications daily, Saifuddin said.
“Other reasons include the fact that these three locations are in the Klang Valley.
“So online applications are feasible due to 100% internet and 90% 5G coverage,” Saifuddin said at a press conference after Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations at Immigration Department headquarters in Putrajaya today.
The home minister also added that walk-in applications would be still allowed for six categories, including children below 12 years old, senior citizens above 60 years old, hajj travellers, students below 21 years old studying overseas, the disabled, and family members of children who are applying for passports.
“Those who want to apply via walk-in can go to any Immigration Department office with the exception of the three offices mentioned.
“For those aged 13 to 17, 18 to 59 and senior citizens (who opt not to walk in), (they) would have to apply online,” Saifuddin explained.
Elaborating further, Saifuddin said the Immigration Department issued four times more passports since April last year following the end of the movement control order.
He explained this 400% increase is among the reasons why the Immigration Department was experiencing long queues.
Until December 2022, 2,437,493 passports were issued and, this year up until May 12, 1,674,293 were issued.
“This 400% increase was recorded in 77 Immigration Department branches. For every 1,000 passports that were requested, 600 are kept while 400 only were used for travelling.
“This is also another reason for the congestion at our offices.
“Before implementing the MyOnline initiative, we have been making observations to streamline and improve the passport application process,” he said. – The Vibes, May 16, 2023
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