By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Dec 14: The operating hours at Miri Immigration Department’s passport issuing counters has been extended from 7am until 9pm for 10 days, to cater to the high number of International Malaysian Passport (PMA) applications.
The extended hours start from today (Dec 14) until Dec 23, including weekends.
This was disclosed by Deputy Minister for Touriam, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew during a press conference held this afternoon.
Earlier today, Ting visited Miri Immigration department’s counters at UTC Miri, following reports on long lines at its passport renewal counters.
“During my visit this morning, I saw no more long queues, fewer people came compared to a few days ago, and I was told by the Immigration Miri Chief Marie Ajeng, that they would not stop issuing the waiting numbers to passport applicants coming there,” he said.
A total of seven other staff from Bekenu Immigration depot are being brought in to help the passport issuing counters here.
Ting was also asked on the sudden increase in demand regarding the PMA in Miri Division that had caused the long queues for the past few days.
“As you all know, in 2020, 2021, we had the Covid-19 pandemic and because of lockdowns, people could not travel, but this year when all travelling restrictions are now open, people have started moving again,” he disclosed.
He also encouraged applicants to use online services when applying or renewing their passport for more convenience. — DayakDaily
