KUCHING, March 20: Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii has called on the Immigration Department to explain and address the shortage of passport books in Sarawak for the convenience of the public who need to renew or make a new passport, particularly for urgent travel.
In a statement, Dr Yii said he has spoken with special officers of Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, under whose jurisdiction the Immigration Department falls, to highlight the issue and urged them to address it as soon as possible.
“In fact, such an issue should not have happened in the first place as they should have received these books periodically or even foreseen the surge in demand and addressed it proactively,” he said.
He pointed out it has caused much inconvenience to members of the public, who have been turned down and asked to return without a new passport because there is no stock for passport renewal.
“There is no confirmation when the new stock will come. This is especially inconvenient for those that need to travel soon for important or urgent matters, whether work or other reasons,” he added.
Dr Yii added that he will follow up with the relevant agencies and, if necessary, raise the issue with the minister in Parliament in order to address the shortage as soon as possible. — DayakDaily
