Malaysia to Launch New Passport with 94 Advanced Security Features from June 1
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s Immigration Department will introduce a new version of the Malaysian International Passport (PMA) beginning June 1, featuring 94 advanced security elements aimed at strengthening the protection of the country’s identification documents.
Immigration Director-General Zakaria Shaaban said the rollout of the upgraded passport would begin in phases involving four selected offices: the Immigration Headquarters in Putrajaya, the Kuala Lumpur Passport Office in Jalan Duta, the Wangsa Maju Urban Transformation Centre (UTC), and the Shah Alam Immigration Office.
He said the nationwide implementation is expected to be completed by July.
“Previously, our passport had 49 security features, but the new version has nearly doubled that number to 94 security features.
“This is aimed at further strengthening security so that the passport becomes safer and much more difficult to forge,” he told reporters during the Immigration Department Excellent Service Awards Ceremony 2025, officiated by Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail today.
Zakaria explained that the upgraded passport includes enhanced holograms, ultraviolet (UV) printing, hidden visual elements and several specialised forensic features designed to prevent counterfeiting.
Even the thread used to stitch the passport booklet contains unique security elements, with each page carrying different characteristics, he added.
At the same time, Zakaria advised the public not to rush to replace their existing passports, stressing that current passports with more than six months’ validity remain usable and do not need immediate replacement.
“If the passport is still valid for more than six months, there is no need to change it now. It can be replaced after it expires,” he said.
He also confirmed that applications for the new passport can still be made online, depending on the capacity of the respective passport offices.
Zakaria further reminded applicants not to use photographs altered with artificial intelligence (AI) technology when applying for passports online.
“I want to stress that passport applicants should not use AI-generated or AI-modified photographs.
“We have detected several cases where people used AI to enhance their appearance — making darker photos brighter or altering facial features,” he said, adding that immigration officers have the expertise to detect AI-generated images.
Earlier this year, Saifuddin Nasution announced that Malaysia would introduce redesigned versions of both the passport and MyKad as part of broader efforts to enhance national document security.
He noted that the move marked an important milestone, especially as the Malaysian passport remains among the world’s most trusted travel documents.
For the record, the Malaysian international passport ranked third globally among the world’s most powerful passports in 2025.
— BERNAMA