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Speaking at the launch of the passport, Zakaria said the rollout would be implemented in phases across 71 passport offices nationwide, The Star reported.
He added that the first phase would cover 14 passport-issuing offices, including state offices and urban transformation centers, with full implementation expected to be completed by August.
The move marks a shift from the country's long-standing practice of issuing passports with a five-year validity period.
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Malaysian passports. Photo courtesy of the official portal of the Sarawak government |
The new passport allows Malaysians aged 18 and above to choose between a five-year or 10-year validity period, Free Malaysia Today reported.
The fee for a five-year passport is RM200.
Zakaria said the new passport features 94 security elements, up from 49 in the previous version.
Malaysia's passport slipped one place to seventh in the latest Henley Passport Index 2026, three months after reaching its highest ranking in the 20-year history of the index.
Malaysian citizens now enjoy visa-free access to 183 out of 227 countries and territories.
Within Southeast Asia, Malaysia retained its position as the region's second-strongest passport, trailing only Singapore.
