Kuala lumpur: The Immigration Department will begin issuing a new Malaysian passport with 94 security features from June 1, further strengthening the security of the nation's identification document. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban stated that the initial phase of passport issuance will start in four locations: the Immigration headquarters in Putrajaya, the Kuala Lumpur Passport Office in Jalan Duta, the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) Wangsa Maju, and the Shah Alam Immigration Office. The rollout will be implemented in stages, with complete nationwide issuance anticipated by July.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the new passport nearly doubles the existing security features from 49 to 94, aiming to make the document more secure and difficult to forge. Zakaria noted enhancements such as improved holograms, ultraviolet (UV) printing, hidden visual elements, and specialised forensic features. Even the thread binding the passport booklet contains unique security features, with each page designed differently.

Zakaria advised the public not to rush to replace their existing passports, emphasizing that passports with more than six months' validity remain usable. He encouraged renewing only after expiration, despite the new features. Applications for the new passport can be made online, although this is subject to the capacity of each passport office.

He also highlighted the importance of submitting genuine photographs, cautioning against using artificial intelligence (AI) to alter images. Cases have been detected where applicants attempted to enhance their appearance using AI, but Immigration officers are trained to identify such modifications.

Earlier this year, Saifuddin Nasution announced the introduction of new-look passports and MyKad within six months, as part of efforts to enhance the security of national identification documents. Malaysia's passport is ranked among the most powerful globally, achieving third place in 2025.