Super Speedy Service Renewing My Passport In Kuching

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This is what my new passport looks like.
Sorry, can't show you what's inside because you might puke blood after viewing my photo.
Today, I went to the Immigration Office in Kuching to get my passport done & I was really surprised to walk in at 9am & walk out at 10am with my new passport in hand. The immigration staff were friendly & they answered all my questions politely. No more grumpy officers of past.

I had plenty of questions before coming here as I didn't want to get caught in a crowd & I didn't want to have to come back another day because I forgot something. I wrote this to help you get a better idea of what to expect when you need to renew your passport at an immigration office.


Operation hours at the Simpang Tiga office are: Mon-Fri: 7.30am -5.30pm
Lunch hour: 1pm - 2pm     Friday prayers: 12.15pm - 2.45pm
Swarm hours: Mondays & Fridays are the busiest. The crowd begins at 930am.

Renewals can also be done at the immigration office at UTC Sarawak in the TopSpot carpark opposite LHDN. Still, I prefer to go to the one at Simpang Tiga because there are plenty of FREE parking. The UTC is open until 9pm so it'll be a good option if you go after work.


Bring this to renew a passport: current passport, IC & Cash. Come personally.
There is no need to bring passport photos as the immigration officer will take one on the spot.

Passport renewal charges:  These are the latest rates (updated: 15 Jan 2015)
5 years validity = RM200 (I paid RM300 to do mine a week ago... grr....)
There are special concessions available for elderly, children, those going on a Haj & OKUs.


The entire process:
1. Take a number
2. Wait for number to be called. Go to respective counter. Verify personal details. Right & left thumbprint verified. Signature. Right thumbprint blackened & marked on form. Photo taken.
3. Wait for name to be called at cashier. Collect IC. Pay. Collect receipt. You will be told that your passport can be collected after 1 hour.
4. Go to collection counter. Hand in payment receipt. Wait. (For me, this took only 20 minutes!!!) Sign that you have collected. Verify right thumbprint. Sign on passport. Done!!


FAQ:
Q: What happens if you renew a passport which still has 1 year remaining? Can I top up? (Asking on behalf of mom)
A: No. The new passport validity period (2 or 5 years) will begin from the day you renewed it + 6 extra months. Any remaining time from the previous passport will be voided.

Q: What if my passport was issued in another place like KL? Can I renew it in Kuching? (Asking on behalf of gf)
A: Yes. You can renew your Malaysian passport from any immigration office at all immigration offices nationwide.


As a society, we are usually quick to complain when things go badly but we never stop to compliment or even say thank you when things go well.
Therefore, this blog post is also a tribute & appreciation of the quick & great service provided at the immigration office in Kuching.
Well done, guys!!!

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