So much has changed since the pandemic. I have to say that it has somehow improved a lot of business operations and who would have thought that Malaysia would have implemented an online passport application worldwide??!! Woo hoo! 😀
This has come timely as I realized that my passport will be expiring in less than 6 months and I would be travelling the very next month. Yes, I had a panic attack and surfed all over the internet to make sure that I won't spoil my long awaited holiday!
Thank God that the Malaysia High Commission website was updated with the latest information (https://www.kln.gov.my/web/sgp_singapore/passport_renewal) and the instructions was clear and precise with just one minor spelling mistake on the form for the MyOnline Passport website, https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/eservices/myPasport.
The first step is to make sure that you have a latest passport photo of yourself (white background and dark clothing) and it would be good if you have a digital copy of it cos you will need to upload it into MyOnline Passport. Access MyOnline Passport to fill in your details, select Collection Point > Out of Country > Singapore, upload your passport photo and make payment.
From then on, you can only wait and hope there are no issues with the passport renewal application. It did state that the passport renewal would take 8 weeks processing time.
I had to figure out a backup plan which was to travel with my-less-than-6m-validity passport. I started to research on whether it is even possible to travel to Malaysia and back to Singapore with Air Asia flight. It's a good thing that Air Asia has a website that does a pre-check on yr eligibility to fly, https://airasia.traveldoc.aero/
On Day 2, I received an email approval of my passport renewal and Day 5, singapore.imi@mhc.org.sg emailed for passport collection scheduled 2 days later. The joy I felt when I saw that email! I didn't need to execute my backup plan after all. Phew.😌
On passport collection day, I headed over as early as possible anticipating the tremendous long queue at the Malaysian High Commission. Surprisingly, I was in and out of that place in 15 minutes! 😮
From submission to passport collection, it took about 10 days, which wasn't bad at all! I'm not too sure whether it was due to the timing because I had it renewed in December where everyone was holidaying and so, it was quicker than expected? Anyway, I am glad it all turned out well and hope some Malaysians would find some good information out from this post.✌
