New passport application at Pusat Bandar Damansara, Blok I: How to tips!

While my memory is still fresh, I will post about my experience in applying for a new Malaysian International Passport for my son yesterday. We arrived at Pusat Bandar Damansara before half past ten in the morning. We walked up the staircase all the way from Level 4A, the lowest parking lot, to the top and and found ourselves on the five-foot way (Malay: Kaki lima). Not sure where to go, I approached two men in uniform and asked, 'Mana imigresen?' They pointed to the other side and said, 'Sana, Blok I.' We were in Blok A.

Without any delay, we walked to Blok I, went through the main entrance and took the escalator to the first floor. We were lost awhile but our last visit here four years ago brought back a some memories. With no signs of where to start we walked around until we saw a sign that read 'Kaunter Khidmat Pelanggan'. We went to the counter and saw an officer with some stacks of different forms. 'Aha, this is where we start!' I thought to myself.

Ok, to cut the story short, I'll just share with you the prerequisite, requirement and process of application. The prerequisite: A photocopy of your child's birth certificate, a photocopy of parent's ID card and two passport photos of your child. The requirement: Tell the officer at 'Kaunter Khidmat Pelanggan' that you want to apply for a passport for your child and he will hand you the relevant form. After that, measure the height of your child. There's a measurement 'tape' on the wall near the 'Kaunter Khidmat Pelanggan' . After filling out the form, go to Kaunter no. 9 if your child is below two years old. If two years old and above, go to Kaunter no. 2. Here you will get your first queue number after the officer has confirmed that you have filled out the form correctly and fulfilled the prerequisite.

Next, find yourself a seat at the waiting area from counter no. 20 onwards. This is where the test of patience starts - wait for your queue number to be called out. Once you see your queue number and its corresponding counter no being displayed, get up and go! At this juncture, the officer will take your child's thumbprint and yours. After that, wait for your queue number to pay the fee. Again, jump and go to the counter when you see your queue number.

After paying your fee, you will get a second queue number to collect the new passport. Though you are notified that you can collect your passport within one hour, expect it to be ready in two hours! Trust me. I experienced it.

Lastly, be sure your child is present at the collection counter. Reason being, your child's thumbprint is needed on the new passport before you can collect it and take it home!

I hope the tips here will help you to better prepare yourself for a less stress-free application.