Kangar: The Perlis Immigration Department today commenced issuing the new Malaysian International Passport (PMA), which boasts 94 security features, following the recent installation of an updated passport printing machine.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perlis Immigration director Mohammad A'sim Md Ali announced that the new passports can currently be printed exclusively at the Immigration Office located in the Kangar Urban Transformation Centre (UTC). He further stated that a new printing machine would be installed at the Perlis Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) Complex once the ongoing building and service counter upgrades are completed, expected by October.

Public interest in the new travel document has been positive on its first day of issuance in Perlis. From January 1 to July 17, the Perlis Immigration Department issued a total of 31,722 travel documents, including 6,918 passports, 72 Restricted Travel Documents, and 24,732 Border Passes.

The new Malaysian International Passport was officially launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on June 30. Applications were opened to Malaysians aged 18 and above starting July 1, with applicants having the option to choose a passport validity period of either five or 10 years. This initiative represents a significant step in enhancing the security of Malaysia's travel documents while offering greater convenience and value to the public.