Malaysian passport renewal

I left my house at 6:55am and with the Raya crowd still sweetly slumbering in their respective hometowns, there was no traffic on the road and I reached Home Ministry Complex in Hartamas by 7:10am. Parking was aplenty, and FREE, and I got a space right at the doorstep. As I entered the building, I asked the guard where I should go, and he gestured and said "go up the escalator and it's on the right side of the building". Thanked him and followed the directions. In case I heard him wrongly, there were signs all the way - I'd be an idiot to miss it (but just to be sure, I checked with the person in front of me, as there were some queues around the floor for other processes as well).

I was in line by 7:15am and I'd expected to be there til 8am (the official opening hour), but by 7:30am the glass doors opened yay! I was probably the 10th in line but typical of Malaysians, there were some who jumped queue. Grr. Got to the number collection counter and was greeted by a chirpy officer. Told him that I was there for passport renewal and he gave me a number: 1020.

A short wait (25mins?) later, my number was called. I only needed to answer a few questions, smile for the camera, scan my thumbprints, and I was done in 5mins. Waited another 25mins to make payment and was informed by the cashier that it would take about an hour, and since that wasn't too long a wait and I had my book with me, I decided to just sit around until they call my number again.

I must have zoned out because by the time I looked up at the digital giliran display, it was calling for numbers after mine. I thought my application was delayed so I waited for a while more before approaching the Kaunter Serahan. There was another guy who was also there and had missed his number (he went out for brekkie so it's understandable, but me! -_-). We asked the officer, and she said that indeed we'd missed our numbers but I suppose it's not uncommon so she just asked us to wait while she went to get our passports. She said that my number was actually called less than half an hour after I made the payment. Oof! Anyway, I checked that everything was accurate and in place, and it was, except that I wish my face didn't turn out so chubby.. oh well. I was done and out of the place by 9:20am (to think that I could have left before 9!)

The entire process was efficient and painless and the officers were helpful and friendly, so I just wanna say well done to the Immigration Department! :)

What you need (more info here)

1. Current passport
2. Identity card
3. Cash

Notes/Tips

• No need to fill in any forms prior or on-the-spot as everything is computerised now (finally!)
• No need to bring passport-sized photos as they are taken on the spot at the counter itself
• You can smile for the photo, as long as you don't show your teeth 
• You also don't need to sweep your hair to the back/side to show your forehead, as long as your eyes are visible
• Wear dark clothing, collar optional 

Getting there 
Kompleks Kementerian Dalam Negeri
Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Off Jalan Duta, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
GPS coordinates: N3 10.057 E101 40.057