IT IS now a pleasure to visit the Immigration Department.” “I was totally amazed at how fast and easy it is to renew our maid’s visa.” “We got our passport renewed in less than an hour!”
Such declarations from KL citizens are indeed rare, especially when one is talking about the Immigration Department which has a reputation of being slow.
But these were the testimonials StarMetro received from contented members of the public during a surprise visit to the department at Kompleks KDN Jalan Duta in Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Kuala Lumpur, recently.
Simply put, they were genuinely happy with the service rendered to them.
It is no secret that in the past, any visit to the Immigration Department was often described as a “nightmare”.
But gone are the interminable waits in hot, crowded rooms with a system that used to be unprofessional and slow.
Since relocating from their ageing complex at Pusat Bandar Damansara to Kompleks KDN on Oct 17, 2011, the department has been a pleasant place, both posh and spacious. The building is also home to the Home Affairs Ministry (Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur branch).
Citizens and guests at the Immigration Department can now wait in well-lit, comfortably air-conditioned areas while waiting to deal with Immigration staff.
“I am happy that it took less than an hour to get my passport renewed,” said Ibrahim Abdullah from Cheras, who was there with his wife and two-month-old daughter.
Ibrahim was directed to the special counter that caters to parents with babies. The counter also caters to senior citizens, the disabled and pregnant women to ensure that their applications are carried out smoothly.
A Pakistani expatriate, who was at the deparment to check on his visa status, was largely happy with the service. However, he said, it would be more convenient if some of the signage were in both Bahasa Malaysia and English.
“Counters dealing with student passes and visas for foreigners must have ample signs in English, too,” he said.
Immigration Deparment KL branch deputy director Azrin Zainal Abidin said: “There is a marked difference in the way people view us now, I will not deny that it is more positive, but it has a lot to do with the ambience and the operations here is more controlled and better planned.
“Our staff, too, are more energetic and happy as we have facilities catering to their health and well-being, such a badminton court, and, of course, parking is free. All these put together make happy employees, and happy employees work better and, in turn, will serve the public better.”
The complex also houses six other agencies, namely the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela), National Registration department, National Anti-Drug Agency, Civil Defence Deparment, the Film Censorship Board and Enforcement and the Registrar of Societies.
The main building consists of a podium, the tower and a multi-purpose hall. Facilities available include meeting rooms, an auditorium, a canteen, a surau and services such as a mobile post office, photostat and printing kiosk and a commissioner of oath.
The Immigration Department handles between 12,000 and 14,000 passport applications per month, meaning about 400 to 700 applications per day. “During the school holidays the number can easily reach 1,000,” Azrin said.
“During the school break, we once extended our services until 10pm, including Saturdays and Sundays. We may do that again since the response had been overwhelming.”
Passport Renewal Kiosks (KiPPas) are also available on Level 1.
Another plus point is that under the 2013 Budget, senior citizens and children below the age of two are now only charged RM100 (two years) and RM150 (five years) for the renewal of passports.
Previously, they were charged RM150 and RM300, respectively.
·Issuing of passports and travel documents to Malaysian citizens and permanent residents.
·Issuing of visas, passes and permits to foreign nationals entering Malaysia.
·Administering and managing the movement of people at authorised entry and exit points.
·Enforcing the Immigration Act 1959/63, Immigration Regulations 1963 and Passport Act 1966.
The Immigration Department in Kuala Lumpur is at No 69, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. For enquiries call, 03-6205-7400
Office hours are:
Monday to Friday: 7.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 5.30pm
Saturday and Sunday: 8am to 1pm (passport processing only)
Passport renewal is usually within one hour and online applications can be made at http://www.imi.gov.my
THE STAR ONLINE
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