KUALA LUMPUR, 8 January 2026 — The Government of Malaysia has announced a major update to the country’s identity documents, with newly designed passports and upgraded MyKad identity cards set to be introduced within the next six months as part of efforts to boost security and safeguard document integrity.
At a press conference following the Home Ministry’s 2026 New Year Address on 8 January, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the redesigned travel and identity documents will feature advanced security enhancements to strengthen protections against counterfeiting and fraud. The rollout is expected by the second quarter or early third quarter of 2026, with full preparations already underway by the Immigration Department and the National Registration Department.
Why the Redesign Matters
Saifuddin highlighted that Malaysia’s passport, currently recognised as one of the world’s most trusted in terms of visa-free travel convenience, needs to stay ahead of evolving security challenges by integrating the latest features. While existing passports and MyKad cards remain valid until their expiry dates, the new designs will further protect 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,” the minister said, adding that the government will notify the public well in advance, about six months before implementation, to prevent unnecessary rushes for new documents.
Officials emphasised that routine passport renewals will still follow current expiry schedules, and passport holders are advised not to rush to change documents before their official replacement dates.
Implementation and Public Guidance
According to government sources, the rollout will be coordinated nationally, and details on specific enhanced features, the implementation timetable, and additional public notifications will be released in due course. The infrastructure and procedural preparations have already been certified by relevant authorities, including immigration and registration agencies.
The move is also part of broader border control and national identification strengthening efforts, which include immigration facilitation and enforcement measures to support traveller movement while maintaining high security standards.
What It Means for Travelers
Malaysian citizens should continue to use their current passports and MyKad identity cards until they approach their expiry dates. Once the new documents are issued, passport holders will be able to enjoy the enhanced protections without disruption to travel privileges, including visa-free access to numerous countries, a benefit that has contributed to Malaysia’s strong global passport standing.
Background: Malaysian passports are biometric and comply with international standards, incorporating facial and fingerprint data to facilitate global travel and border controls under guidelines from the International Civil Aviation Organization.
