Didn't think to write about it until someone asked me about my experience of Msia passport renewal in JB. I did it a few months back. Hope this blog still helps in some way, maybe like deciding whether to renew passport in JB or SG.
Here are why I chose to renew my passport in JB instead of Malaysia Embassy:
1) new passport is issued within a day, or maybe just a few hours usually
2) Representing Office is opened over weekends! So no need to take leave for it.
3) After passport renewal, can go for some good food and cheap massage around 😛
So what to bring with you?
1) IC
2) old passport
3) your working/student pass in SG
4) RM200 cash (depends on the category you're in)
5) Birth Cert ( some folks may need it.)
you may visit the official site for more details.
With all these documents, you can choose to go to "Jabatan Imigresen" or UTC in JB. I'm not sure what does UTC stands for, but passport and IC renewal service is available there. One of UTC branch is located near City Square JB, within walking distance, so i opted UTC. Since there is this experience shared online, stating that limited Q number per day/session is given out by UTC for passport renewal, my kiasu-ness/kiasi-ness all has to come out -- I decided to reach UTC before 830am, which is its opening hours on Saturday😂
How to go UTC from SG using public transport? (i don't own a car 😢)
1) from kranji mrt station, take 170/ causeway link bus
2) cross the 2 custom
3) walk to UTC from JB custom via City Square (7mins walk according to GoogleMap)
Attached GoogleMap for your convenience. (and partly i'm lazy to describe further 😝)
Once you are there, queue to get a number, follow instructions/procedures, and puff! you get your new passport ready.
If you're first time going there, don't be surprised. Unlike any other "Jabatan" or government buildings, UTC offices and various shops co-exist in the same building.
-- My Experience--
I reached UTC before 830am and observed that quite a number of people were already queueing at the building entrance. The entrance was opened at 830am sharp. People who were in front of me and from another entrance started to run upstairs. My friend and I was laughing hard, because they looked like running for their lives. 😂 Too bad that we didn't manage to take video. (if you did, please share with me.) Anyway, this is actually good for us as we have no idea which level should we go to.
Gracefully walking up to 2nd highest level, we lined up to get our Q number. UTC Officer told me to go highest floor to renew my IC after checked my IC. (Ooops! because i was holding my first ever IC) Sadly, I wasn't given Q number and had to leave the line for highest floor.
My IC was taken, and a paper was issued, stating that my IC was kept for renewal. With the piece of paper, I lined up the same queue again. Luckily, the queue was much shorter than the first time, and I got a Q number! After followed some procedures, like taking photo and fingerprint at the UTC counter, I happily left the building with both new IC and Passport after a few hours. Heading to some good food and massage. 😍
-- The Way Back into SG --
It is best to not use automatic gate for both custom, at least for the first time with new passport. When going through SG custom, the officer will definitely request your working/student pass. So must bring your pass along to JB.
Once successfully back to SG, you will need to update MOM in SG if you're working, else ICA if you're studying. Having done that, you're free to use the auto gate at SG custom again.
