The government will introduce a Malaysian international passport which cost RM100 and valid for two years as an affordable means for one-off or occasional travellers.

Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said it may act as an extended choice to the current passport, available at RM300 for a 32-page and RM600 for 64 pages, both valid for five years.

hishammuddin hussein pc 030408 03 He said the ministry had received feedback from the public that the rates for passports was high for a Malaysian, who would be required to travel only once, for example to perform 'umrah' or on a study tour.

Hishammuddin said the Immigration Department would issue the alternative passport beginning Oct 1, 2009 an applicants need only pay RM100 for a 32-page passport, valid for two years.

"With the concept of cheap flights and cheap package tours available, people can now take the opportunity through the new initiative since a RM300 passport will be a burden for such purposes," he told reporters after breaking fast at ICQ Bukit Kayu Hitam.

Saudis to make passport compulsory

Hishammuddin said the use of Group Passport was not a good alternative because it could be complicated in a certain condition and could not be used for all purposes or situations.

He said, the RM100 Malaysian passport would come in handy as the Saudi Arabian government had made it compulsory for Malaysians performing the haj to use passports instead of special travel documents as practiced in the past.

“We therefore extend the same privilege to all Malaysian citizens to own a passport at a cheaper rate that is valid for a short period," he added, saying that it was also an approach taken by the ministry to implement the 1Malaysia concept of "People First, Performance Now".

- Bernama