With this, applicants aged 13 to 59 can no longer make applications at the counter or walk in to these three offices, he said.

Speaking at a press conference after the department’s Outstanding Service Award (APC) 2023 event, Saifuddin said other immigration offices would still accept passport applications as usual.

“These three branches were chosen because they are the most popular in the Klang Valley and issued the highest number of passports.

“These offices are also located in areas with good internet connectivity and, as such, there is no reason why online applications cannot be implemented,” he said.

All three branches will still provide counter service and accept walk-in applications for children aged 12 and below, applicants aged 60 and above, haj pilgrims who received their Tabung Haji offers, students aged 21 and below who have received offers to study abroad, the disabled, and family members accompanying children aged 12 and below.

Saifuddin said as of May 12, the immigration department had issued a total of 1.67 million passports, of which 464,725 applications were made online.