KUCHING: The tourism and travel industry in Sarawak generally welcomes the federal government’s newly gazetted ten-year Malaysian passport, hailing it as a progressive step that offers long-term cost savings and enhanced convenience for travellers.
Industry players, however, noted that while the policy significantly cuts down administrative hassles, broader economic factors such as airfares, currency exchange rates, and fuel prices remain the primary factors influencing Malaysians’ decisions to travel abroad.
The introduction of the 10-year passport at RM350, under the Fees (Passports and Visas) (Amendment) Order 2026, represents a significant shift from the traditional five-year validity period.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Sarawak Chapter Chairman, Oscar Choo, applauded the initiative, describing it as a progressive move that aligns Malaysia with international best practices.
“The longer validity provides greater peace of mind, particularly for frequent travellers, as it reduces the need for frequent renewals and allows for better long-term travel planning.
“The RM350 fee offers good value, as it provides long-term cost savings and reduces renewal frequency, which is especially helpful in the current economic climate,” Choo told Sarawak Tribune.
While industry players generally agree on the benefits of the longer validity period, they differ slightly on the extent to which it could stimulate outbound travel demand.
Head of Sales at Daeng Travel & Tours, Alliya Azmi, views the policy as a strong catalyst that will build immediate consumer confidence.
“I anticipate that clients will book their holidays with greater confidence, including travel packages, accommodation and tour arrangements,” Alliya remarked.
She highlighted that the pricing structure is particularly attractive for specific demographics.
“It is a bonus for families travelling with children or senior citizens, given the adjusted rates for these groups.
“It is also highly beneficial for business travellers and Malaysian students studying abroad, as they will be able to hold valid travel documents for a longer period before renewal is required,” she said.
Alliya also pointed out a clear operational benefit: the reduction of last-minute travel disruptions caused by the standard “six-month validity” rule required by global immigration authorities.
“Many clients only notice their passport is expiring a few weeks before departure or when submitting flight details.
“We even had to implement a standard operating procedure (SOP) requiring our sales team to remind clients to check their passports at least a month before travel,” she explained.
Conversely, Managing Director of KHAIMAL Borneo Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd, Mohamad Fikri Zainol Majid, believes that while individual financial and time benefits are clear, the impact on the wider tourism industry will be gradual due to external macroeconomic challenges.
“The 10-year passport will save individuals money, but to see a total industry impact, we must look at a larger perspective.
“As travellers became more cautious with spending, demand for travel packages has softened in recent months,” Fikri said, pointing to current global headwinds like high flight ticket prices, fluctuating exchange rates, rising fuel costs, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
To further support the tourism sector, Fikri urged the government to look beyond document validity and address structural travel barriers.
“Apart from introducing a 10-year passport, the government could consider expanding bilateral agreements to secure more visa-on-arrival (VOA) facilities and visa-free entry arrangements for Malaysians, increasing direct international flights to and from Sarawak, and implementing measures to keep airfares affordable and international travel accessible,” he said.
