Things You Need to Know if You Lose Your Passport.

Starting on 2 January 2019, a hefty fine will be imposed on those who damaged or lost their passport.

According to a report by a local newspaper, Malaysians who lose or damage their passports will be fined between RM300 and RM1,200 for a replacement.

The new decree, which falls under the Fees (Passports and Visas) (Amendment) Order 2019 of the Federal Government Gazette, does away with the previous penalty-free replacement for Malaysians who re-applied after losing or damaging their passport.

The penalty of first-time offenders and repeat offenders differ.

First-time:

Malaysians who lose or damage their passports for the first time will be fined RM400. Children aged 12 and below, and students aged 21 and below studying abroad, will be fined RM300 if they lose or damage their passports for the first time.

Second-time:

Malaysians will be fined RM700, while children aged 12 and below, and students aged 21 and below studying abroad, will be fined RM600.

Third-time:

Those who lose or damage their passports for the third time will be fined RM1,200, while children aged 12 and below, and students aged 21 and below studying abroad, will be fined RM1,100.

In October last year, it was reported that Malaysians tend to lose their passports in Bangkok due to negligence.

“Malaysians do not consider their passports as a very important document, that is why they don’t take care of their passports properly.

“They put their passports where it’s so easy for them to go missing or be stolen,” a source at the Malaysian embassy in Bangkok told a local newspaper.

Of course, if you lose your passport under unforeseen circumstances such as thefts or disasters, consideration will be given by Immigration Department.