BY Mazwin Nik Anis
PUTRAJAYA: Foreign visitors and travel agents abroad can soon apply for Malaysian visas online.
Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmi Khalid said the facility would be available in two months. The Immigration department was still finalising and fine-tuning the new system.
Azmi added that when operational the system would allow applicants to know within 24 hours if their visa application has been approved.
“If approved, the applicant can make payment online via credit card,” he told reporters after presenting awards at the National Registration Department Quality Day function here yesterday.
“Upon arrival, visitors only need show a copy of the online receipt and the department’s approval and they will be issued on-the-spot visas.”
On another matter, Azmi said the National Registration Department (NRD) should not be blamed if those who applied for MyKad at the last minute had to endure hours of waiting.
“We have done everything to encourage the people to apply early, including having a lucky draw. Applicants will get their MyKad free if they apply before Dec 31.
“Yet, as of now, there are still 1.58 million people who have yet to apply,” he said.
“After what we have done, including opening our counters on Saturdays, the department should not be blamed for any inconveniences faced by applicants later,” he said, adding that NRD counters were open till 6pm on weekdays and from 8am till 4pm on Saturdays.
Asked if counters would be opened late at night to accommodate the last-minute crowd, Azmi said this could be arranged.
He added that some of those who had not applied for MyKad might be abroad or could be in prison, under detention or staying in the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak.
Source: The Star
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