KUALA LUMPUR (June 30): Malaysians aged 18 and above can apply for the new security-enhanced International Malaysian Passport with a validity period of either five or 10 years, starting on Wednesday. 

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the option of a longer validity period offers greater convenience to the public, especially those who frequently travel abroad for work, business, studies, or family commitments.

He noted that the fee for the 10-year passport is set at RM350, offering a saving of RM50 compared to renewing the five-year passport twice over the same period.

"Hopefully, this initiative not only eases public transactions but also further strengthens the standing of the Malaysian passport as a trusted and respected travel document on the international stage," he said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

Saifuddin said the new passport has been upgraded with 94 security features, up from just 49 on the previous version, through the use of cutting-edge technologies such as holograms, ultraviolet printing, latent images, and other protective elements.

These enhancements are designed to reduce the risk of forgery, alteration and misuse. The new passport will be rolled out in phases at 71 passport offices nationwide starting July.

At the same time, he assured the public that there is no need to rush into replacing their existing passports, as they remain valid until close to their expiry date.

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