New passports to be ready in an hour starting tomorrow

10 May 2010 , By New Straits Times

Getting a new passport is expected to be a breeze at most of the Immigration Department branches as the waiting period for new applications has been reduced from two hours to one hour starting tomorrow.

Immigration Department Director-general Datuk Abdul Rahman Othman said the service would be available in a number of branches in the country.

"This is part of the government's efforts to further expedite the process of applications for passports. There are 37 branches throughout the country and the service will be implemented at 25 branches initially.

"Since the introduction of such services at main offices, especially in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya will require employing additional staff to ease the process, it will be done accordingly," he told Bernama here today.

Among branches to offer such services are Alor Star, Kulim, Bukit Kayu Hitam, Langkawi, Sungai Petani in Kedah; Muar, Mersing, Kukup, Segamat (Johor); Kuantan, Raub, Temerloh (Pahang); Lumut, Teluk Intan, Pengkalan Hulu, Taiping (Perak); Kota Bharu, Kangar, Kuala Terengganu, Tawau, Sandakan, Bintulu, Sibu, Limbang and Miri.

Abdul Rahman added that such service would be carried at other branches in the second phase.