Malaysia Halts Issuance of Passports Exceeding 10-Year Validity Amid Travel Woes

Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia has immediately suspended the issuance of international passports with a validity period exceeding 10 years, following reports of difficulties encountered by citizens when traveling abroad. The Immigration Department confirmed the halt, stating that existing passport holders with validity beyond 10 years will be provided with free replacements.

Immigration Director-General Zakaria Shaaban explained that the measure was implemented after several Malaysian international passport (PMA) holders with validity exceeding 10 years faced problems during check-in procedures with certain airlines overseas. These issues led to the decision to standardize the maximum validity period to 10 years, aiming to prevent further confusion.

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Existing PMA holders with a validity period exceeding 10 years will be given free replacement passports with a maximum validity of 10 years.

Zakaria noted that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) had confirmed there were no restrictions against issuing passports with validity periods longer than 10 years. However, the practical problems encountered by travelers with airlines indicated a need for standardization. "Confusion arose when several PMA holders exceeding 10 years faced problems during check-in with some airlines abroad," he stated.

To address the situation, the department will also issue a notification letter to all airlines to assist Malaysian travelers affected by this issue. The suspension of PMA issuance with validity exceeding 10 years will remain in effect until the matter is fully resolved with airlines and the ICAO. The Immigration Department reiterated its commitment to continuously improving passport issuance processes to facilitate smooth and systematic travel for Malaysians.

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However, confusion arose when several PMA holders exceeding 10 years faced problems during check-in with some airlines abroad.