MIRI: The operating hours at Miri Immigration Department passport issuing counters have been extended from 7 am until 9 pm, to cater for the high demand for the application of the International Malaysian Passport (PMA).
These extension hours started yesterday and to run until Dec 23.
This was disclosed by Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew during a press conference held yesterday afternoon.
Earlier yesterday, Ting visited Miri Immigration department counters at UTC Miri, following reports on long lines at its passport renewal counters.
“During my visit this morning, I saw no more long queues, fewer people came compared to a few days ago, and I was told by the Immigration Miri Chief Marie Ajeng, that they would not stop issuing the waiting numbers to passport applicants coming there,” he said.
A total of seven other staff from Bekenu Immigration Depot are being brought in to help the passport issuing counters here.
Ting was also asked about the sudden increase in demand for the PMA in Miri Division that had caused the long queue for the past few days.
“As you all know, in 2020, 2021, we had the COVID-19 pandemic and because of the lockdown, people could not go travelling, but this year when all travelling restrictions are open, people started going out … starting from December 9, for example, people planning a trip from Miri to Brunei or Kuala Lumpur and other parts of countries … I think because of that number of people are applying for passports,” he disclosed.
On the other hand, he said, Miri Immigration is also requesting a bluer passport for Miri.
“They have already asked from the headquarters to supply more,” he told the media.
Ting said that the demand for Red and blue passport are both increasing.
He also encouraged applicants to use online when applying for or renewing their passports for more convenience.
