Malaysia is set to unveil a next-generation international passport equipped with 94 advanced security features, nearly doubling the protection offered by the current version as part of the government’s drive to strengthen document security and combat identity fraud.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to officially launch the upgraded passport at the Parliament lobby on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in Malaysia’s efforts to modernise its travel documentation system.

The redesigned passport replaces the existing version, which contains 49 security features, with a more sophisticated document incorporating cutting-edge technologies to make forgery and unauthorised duplication significantly more difficult.

Among the new safeguards are advanced holographic elements, ultraviolet (UV) printing, concealed visual security features and specialised forensic technologies. The passport also features enhanced security-thread binding and redesigned pages, each with a unique layout to provide stronger protection against tampering.

The initiative follows an earlier announcement by Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who said Malaysia would introduce redesigned international passports and MyKad identity cards under a broader programme aimed at strengthening national data security and improving protection against identity-related crimes.

The upgraded passport also reinforces Malaysia’s standing as one of the world’s leading travel document issuers. According to the 2025 Passport Index, the Malaysian passport ranks as the third most powerful globally, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a wide range of destinations.

Officials say the new passport reflects Malaysia’s commitment to adopting world-class security technologies while maintaining international confidence in the country’s identity and travel documentation systems.