Longer Malaysia Passports
Malaysia Unveils 10-Year Passports with Enhanced Security; New Fees Spark Debate
Anonymous
Malaysia has introduced a new 10-year passport option that took effect on June 3, 2026, replacing the need for most travelers to renew every five years. The 10-year passport is set at RM350 for most applicants, with half-price for senior citizens aged 60 and above and fee exemptions for persons with disabilities holding a valid Kad OKU, as well as free passports for Immigration Department officers and staff. The change also comes with upgraded security features, including 94 security elements intended to strengthen identity checks and deter forgery or misuse. Replacement fees for lost or damaged 10-year passports have also been updated and rise for subsequent replacements, with different rates for seniors and PWD cardholders. While the longer validity is seen as a convenience improvement, some Malaysians have raised concerns about the higher cost relative to the current five-year passport fees and the fact that online application details and rollout information were not yet clearly available at the time of reporting.
Key Points
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Malaysia’s 10-year passport was introduced via an amendment to the “Fees (Passports and Visas) (Amendment) Order 2026 – [P.U. (A) 208]”, which came into operation on 3 June 2026 and was enacted by the King under Section 3 of the 1951 Fees Act.
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The Federal Government Gazette signed by Chief Secretary Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar outlined not only the new validity period and pricing, but also replacement-fee structure changes—such as the first lost/damaged replacement for citizens aged 13 to 59 rising to RM550 (from RM400 previously).
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The gazette does not list a standard 10-year passport fee category for certain groups—specifically children aged 12 and below, students aged 21 and below studying abroad, and Hajj pilgrims—creating uncertainty about how the new 10-year option will apply to them.
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For students abroad, the gazette updated the wording to “studying for a degree programme abroad”, narrowing the fee category trigger for reduced passport-related fees.
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Officials said the policy shift followed discussions on extending passport validity, noting that several ASEAN countries already adopted longer passport validity periods—citing Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.
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