Passports reported missing cannot be used if found later - Home Ministry

An International Malaysian passport (PMA) which has been reported missing or stolen can no longer be used effective January 1, 2010 if recovered.

Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Alwi Ibrahim, in a statement today said, the ban was in order to avoid difficulties at international entry points.

This is because PMA which had been recorded missing would remain in International Police (Interpol) records and regarded as no longer valid and could no longer be used to pass through international/border entry gates.

Alwi said Malaysians should pay serious attention to this matter to avoid any difficulty and negative implications.

"The step taken is aimed at ensuring the credibility and integrity of PMA and is not disputed by any quarter," he said.

Alwi said Malaysian citizens could apply for a new PMA from the Malaysian Immigration Department by furnishing a police report to prove loss or theft of the earlier PMA.

From Feb 1 this year, KDN was reported to have made it compulsory for individuals who had lost their PMA, whether locally or abroad, to lodge a police report at the nearest station.