PUTRAJAYA, Jan 8 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the Immigration Department and the National Registration Department will introduce a new Malaysian passport and a new MyKad by the second quarter or early third quarter of this year.

He said the new versions will be enhanced with more advanced security features to further strengthen their reliability and integrity.

“This replacement is not done arbitrarily. It is a security responsibility that must be carried out after a certain period of use,” he told reporters at a press conference after his New Year’s address here today.

Saifuddin Nasution added that existing passports and MyKad will remain valid until their expiry.

“Continue using your current documents until they reach their expiry. Replacements will only be necessary at that time. 

“Details on the implementation schedule, updated features, and additional announcements will be provided in due course,” he said

He said the ministry would inform the public early — about six months in advance — to prevent people from rushing or panicking when applying for new passports or MyKad.

He added that user specifications for the new passport and MyKad have already been developed and certified, involving processes between the Immigration Department and the NRD.

As part of this year’s Visit Malaysia Year initiatives, Saifuddin Nasution said the government is strengthening border control and immigration measures nationwide, with the Border Control and Protection Agency and Immigration Department serving as the frontline at entry points.

He said their responsibilities include facilitating smooth traveller movement without compromising security, enhancing revenue collection with the Customs Department, and addressing integrity-related issues.

“Priority will be given to major entry points, including KLIA 1, KLIA 2, the Sultan Iskandar Building, Sultan Abu Bakar Complex, Penang, Kota Kinabalu, and Sarawak.

“Autogate systems will be installed at all these locations to improve efficiency and streamline operations,” he added.