NEW YORK, July 19 (Bernama) -- In a significant move aimed at simplifying
the processing of Malaysian passports, the Consulate-General in New
York is now dealing with the issuance and renewal of passports of Malaysians
living in the United States.
Formerly, the passports of Malaysians living outside the New York
jurisdiction, which covers 12 states, was handled either by the Malaysian
embassy in Washington or consulates in other cities in the United States.
"The change became effective about two months ago and has been
working well. Previously, we sent all Malaysian passports to
Kuala Lumpur for processing and renewal, but that took a longer time.
"With a view of helping Malaysians who may want to travel at short
notice or need the passport for some other purpose, a decision was taken to
centralise the processing of passports by the Consulate-General in New York.
"Processing the passports here has considerably reduced the time as you need
not send them to Kuala Lumpur," said Syed Mohammed Bakri Syed Abdul Rahman, the
Malaysian Consul-General in an interview with Bernama.
Syed Mohammed praised the foresightedness and initiative of the Malaysian
Ambassador in Washington, Datuk Othman Hashim, for initiating the change in the
processing of passports.
Malaysians who have lost or had their passports destroyed, can now refer to
the Consulate-General in New York for assistance.
-- BERNAMA
MM AS