Malaysian Passport Renewal in Singapore

Ever since COVID-19 hit us hard in early 2020, there have been several changes in the passport renewal process for Malaysians who are residing in Singapore. I am sharing my experience here, for the benefits of my fellow Malaysians whose passports are expiring soon.

[last update: 15 April 2021]

Step 1: Get all your documents ready

One of the pain points is getting the photo accepted when you attach it on the online application form. 

Some people managed to find a workaround to it but I personally feel that the most foolproof method is to get it professionally done at the photo studio. 

I got my photos done at PhotoHub at Raffles City Shopping Centre. 6 pieces of hard copies and a soft copy (will be emailed to you) cost $16.50, and ready within an hour. 

I feel this is a small price to pay to get a photo that will not give you any problems to upload into the online application form.

FotoHub @ Raffles City

Address: 252 North Bridge Road B1 - 44G Raffles City Shopping Centre, 179103

Opening hours: 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM (Mon to Sun)

Tel No: 6336 4235

Website: https://eshop.fotohub.com

Step 2: Apply Online

Next step is to apply online via MyOnline Passport. 

Here is the link: https://eservices.imi.gov.my/myimms/myPassport?lang=en

Assuming that there are no issues in uploading your photo to the online application form, you should be able to complete the application process in 10 to 15 minutes.

Few points to note:

• Payment can only be done via Malaysian bank accounts. Maybank2U seems to be the most common choice.
• Payment transaction is not workable from 11:30 PM to 12:30 AM, as the maintenance system is running. Please re-apply after 12:30 AM.

Step 3: Wait for your Appointment Day

Once you have successfully completed the application and payment, you will receive an official receipt (resit rasmi).

IMPORTANT: Do not forget to download a soft copy of this official receipt as you will need it when you collect your new passport.

If everything goes smoothly and no issues, it will take approximately 3 to 4 weeks until your new passport is processed, issued and delivered to Singapore.

For my case, I submitted my online application on 15 March 2021, and received an email from noreply@imi.gov.my on 15 April 2021 (exactly 30 days later). It states that I will be contacted by the Malaysian High Commissioner in Singapore within 14 working days of the email date (i.e. 15 April 2021) for the appointment to collect my new passport.

Subsequently you will receive an email from singapore@imi.gov.my within 30 days from the date of online application, which will detail the appointment date and time (usually in the afternoon, after 2PM) to collect the new passport. 

You do not have to go to the Malaysian High Commissioner early to take any queue numbers as the collection slot will be allocated accordingly as per the email you received. However, it is advisable to go early to avoid the long queue.

Step 4: Collecting Your Passport

Once you have received the email, it is finally time for you to collect your new passport on your appointment day.

Make sure you prepare all your documents:

• Old Malaysian passport
• Malaysian NRIC
• Singapore Work Permit/PR.. etc
• Printed appointment email
• Printed payment receipt (resit rasmi)
• ID to exchange pass at the gate (e.g. Passion Card, NTUC Card, driving license, etc.)

Other survival kit (optional)

• Drinking water
• A fully charged phone battery and power bank
• Umbrella
• Patience

How To Go To High Commission of Malaysia?

Address: 301 Jervois Rd, Singapore 249077

• Opening Days: Monday to Friday
• Submission Hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM (except Friday, until 11:30 AM)
• Collection Hours: 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM

How to get there?

• Public transport: Bus and MRT
• Bus number: 14, 65, 32, 139 & 970 (Alight at Valley Point Building bus stop #13059) 450 metre or 5 min walk
• MRT: Nearest MRT station: Tiong Bahru Station (East West Line) (1.3 km or 16 minutes walk) & Redhill Station (East West Line) (1.4 km or 18 minutes walk)
• Taxi/Grab/Uber

Remember to update Singapore Re-entry Permit

So if you are Singapore work pass / PR holder, remember to update the Singapore reentry permit online as soon as you receive your new passport. 

Here is the link: https://www.ica.gov.sg/reside/PR/apply-REP

Closing Words

Hope this post helps you to save a little time when you renew your passport in Singapore. Stay safe and take care!