The new and improved Malaysian passport will start being issued from next month.

The Immigration Department says the document will be harder to forge, as it will have more than double the security features of the current version.

The new passport will be introduced in stages at selected offices in the Klang Valley, with a nationwide rollout expected by July. 

The Department also clarified that Malaysians do not need to rush to replace their passports, as the current version are still valid. 

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Meanwhile, Immigration is warning the public not to use AI to beautify photos when applying for passports online.

It says it has already detected cases where applicants are using artificial intelligence to digitally improve their appearance or lighten their skin tone.

It warns that its officers are able to tell the difference between genuine and manipulated photos.

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The government has repeated its demand for the Malaysian Global Sumud Flotilla volunteers to be released immediately by Israel.

The Foreign Ministry emphasized that the Malaysians were in international waters when they were captured by Israeli forces…which is a clear violation of international law.

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Six men, including a supplier, have been detained in the Klang Valley over the sale and use of vape products suspected to contain drugs.

Cops made the arrest in response to a viral video on social media, showing several individuals in a dazed state after excessive vaping.

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And…

The Met Department says Jeli, Pasir Puteh, Pasir Mas, Tanah Merah, Machang and Kuala Krai in Kelantan are currently under a Level One heat advisory.