[UPDATED] Two airlines face issues processing Malaysian passports valid beyond 10 years, says Immigration DG

PUTRAJAYA: Two airlines have faced difficulties processing Malaysian passports with validity beyond 10 years, according to Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban. The issue lies with the airlines' systems and not with foreign immigration authorities rejecting Malaysian passports. Zakaria clarified that Malaysian passports, valid for up to 10 years and six months, are recognized internationally in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.

He addressed misconceptions that Malaysian passports were not being accepted abroad, stating that all countries accept these passports, regardless of their validity exceeding 10 years. Zakaria's department is open to audits following criticism over the issue. Malaysia's 10-year passport policy remains in place, but the practice of adding up to six months of remaining validity from an existing passport when issuing a new 10-year passport has been discontinued.

Passports already issued with exactly 10 years of validity are unaffected and can continue to be used. Those with passports valid for 10 years and six months will receive replacements free of charge. The cap on passport validity remains until the airlines resolve their technical issues.