I still remember back in 1995, we had to go to the immigration office for 3 days to get our passports done. First to get the numbers, second to submit the documents and third to collect the passports. We had to bring our own photos, photocopy ICs and even had to buy the application form! Now? Just bring your IC and the old passport. Even though back in 1995 the passport cost RM60, I am more than glad to pay the current fee of RM200 for the convenience :)
The immigration office at Kelana Jaya opens at 7.30am. My mother and I left our house at Kota Damansara at 7.00am. We reached the office at 7.20am. By that time there were around 30++ people in a queue infront of us.
The office opened on time at 7.30am. We waited around 15-20 minutes to get our numbers. At the number counter, you need to submit the form, your old passport and IC. They will then issue you queue numbers according to your category. Adult below 60 years old will be issued 1xxx series and those above 60 years old will be issued with 2xxx series.
Since my mom is a senior citizen, she was given a 2xxx series. She got number 2001. The first in the senior citizen queue :) Senior citizen also enjoyed a 50% discount so she only need to pay RM100. Too bad she came with me. I was issued with number 1035 so she still had to wait for my turn.
Once you got your number, you sit down and wait. I waited for around 40 minutes for my turn. Since it was early in the morning there were only two counters opened thus it was a bit slow but later more counters were opened and the queue moved a lot faster.
When your number was called, you go to the counter and give the officer the form, the queue number, your old passport and IC. The officer will then take your passport picture at the counter itself and verify your IC via electronic thumb prints (both hands). Note: Wear dark colour clothes. My mom wore a pink tudung, so the officer asked her to change to a black tudung which the immigration office provided. Luckily she brought her own black tudung just in case. Those who wore light colour clothes, the officers will ask you to cover it up with a black jacket (provided by the office).
Once done the officer will print a document with your details and passport photo. Check that the details are accurate, then sign and thumb print the form (right hand). This whole process will take around 5-10 minutes. The officer will give you back your number which will be used to make payment.
I had to wait for another 5-8 minutes for my number to be called for payment at Counter 3. Just give the officer your number and cash. I didn't check whether we can pay using credit card or not. I think most people pay via cash. Once paid, the officer will return your IC and give you a receipt with time stamp and collection number. My number was 104. The passport will be ready 1 hour after payment. The payment process took 1-2 minutes.
Note: My mom's collection number was 101. By the time I made my payment, my mom's passport was ready for collection. We then went to collect my mom's passport before going out for breakfast.
We had breakfast at a mamak shop beside the office (no choice since a restaurant selling Malay food were sold out by 9am!). The food was tasteless and quite pricey. A plate of nasi lemak with an egg cost RM6.50. Luckily the RM2.00 teh tarik was quite nice.
45 minutes after payment, we went back to the office to try our luck. The guard was friendly and asked us for our collection number. When I told him, he said my passport is ready for collection. Just go to Counter 1 or 2 and present the receipt to the lady officer and then wait for my name to be called. After giving the receipt, I waited for 5 minutes since there were 2 other people infront of me.
Once your name was called, give the officer your IC for verification and she will then give you your new passport, your old passport (the front cover and the first page was cut) and the document with your details and passport photo (which you verified earlier). Sign on the document as evidence that you have collected the passport and sign on your new passport. Once done, the officer will return your IC. Say thank you and your are done :) This process will take around 2-3 minutes.
THE END
Note: The 5 year validity period of the new passport will start from the date of expiry of your old passport not from date of issue (unlike the previous 2 year passport which validity period starts from date of issue). So you can renew your passport earlier. No need to wait until last minute :P
Note: For those who are not familiar with international travel law, please note that you are not allowed out of the country if your passport validity is less than 6 months. So if your passport expiry date is 1 February 2016, if you wish to travel overseas on let's say 15 August 2015, you need to renew your passport because your passport real validity is only until 1 August 2015.
Note: The immigration department no longer issues 2 year passport effective 15 January 2015. It is about time if you ask me. The 2 year passport is a con since the validity period starts from the date of issue (unlike the 5 year passport). You lost 6 months from your old passport and later even when you revert to a 5 year passport, the 5 year passport validity starts from date of issue. So in total you lost 12 months or more if you renew your passport earlier than 6 months prior to expiry.
Note: The fees effective 15 January 2015:
1) Ordinary applicants (13 to 59 years old) - RM200
2) Senior citizens (60 years old onwards) - RM100
3) Children (12 years old below) - RM100
4) Citizens studying abroad (21 years old below) - RM100
5) Pilgrims - RM100
6) Disabled - Free
Note: There were ample parking bays at Plaza Glomac. The parking fee is RM2.20 per hour. It took us around 2 hours 40 minutes (parking in, parking out) so our parking fee was RM6.60. Make sure you have enough cash to feed the auto-pay machine :)
