Amid the negative news we so often read about our country, it is heartwarming when something positive makes international headlines.
Recently, a positive development did just that. Malaysia’s passport climbed to sixth place in the 2026 Henley Passport Global Ranking, up sharply from 12th the year before, strengthening its position among the world’s most powerful travel documents.
This position provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 183 destinations worldwide, reflecting strong global mobility and the respect accorded to the Malaysian passport internationally.
Singapore holds the top position, with Malaysia ahead of Australia and Canada (both at 7th) and the United States (10th).
Malaysia’s Immigration Department said the improved ranking reflects growing international confidence in the Malaysian passport and the country’s stronger diplomatic standing.
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“Malaysia’s rise to sixth place in the 2026 Henley Passport Global Ranking reflects the growing international recognition and trust towards the Malaysian passport,” the department said in a statement.
The stronger ranking would give Malaysians wider global mobility and easier access to international destinations, it said, adding that the achievement also reflected the country’s solid diplomatic ties with the international community – and was a source of pride for the nation.
An efficient department
The Immigration Department deserves due credit for this improvement. From my experience, it is one of the more efficient government departments.
In June 2024, I visited its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. I arrived shortly before 08:00 to find a long queue and had to join the back of it.
Just before the department opened, an officer came out and walked from the entrance towards the end of the queue, announcing: “Warga emas, tolong datang ke depan.” (Older people, please come to the front.)
I was then at the entrance, in a separate queue. Within 45 minutes, everything was done and I had my new passport in hand.
How I wish all other government agencies could emulate the Immigration Department.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
