The Perak Immigration Department has resumed full-service operations at its counters located in the Home Ministry (KDN) Complex in Meru Raya, marking the end of a four-year closure. This initiative is aimed at improving access to passport services for the public, particularly in the Ipoh area.
According to Perak Immigration Director Meor Hezbullah Meor Abd Malik, the counters, which are situated on the third floor of the KDN Complex, have been open to the public since last Tuesday. The reopening is seen as a strategic move by the Immigration Department to increase its service capacity and reduce wait times for passport applications.
Increased Capacity for Passport Issuance in Ipoh
Meor Hezbullah highlighted that the reopening of these counters significantly boosts the Immigration Department’s capacity to issue passports in Ipoh. Previously, the department’s office in the Perak Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) could handle about 750 new passport applications per day. Now, with the addition of the full-service counters at the KDN Complex, this number has increased to over 1,100 passports issued daily.
“We are now able to issue more than 1,100 passports per day in Ipoh alone, which is a substantial improvement from the previous capacity of 750 passports at the Perak UTC,” Meor Hezbullah stated.
The department also operates immigration offices in other parts of Perak, including Lumut, Teluk Intan, Taiping, and Pengkalan Hulu. These locations can typically process between 200 and 250 passport applications per day, contributing to the department’s overall service capacity.
Reducing Congestion at Perak UTC
The reopening of full-service counters at the KDN Complex is expected to alleviate congestion at the Perak UTC Immigration Office, particularly during peak times. In recent years, the Perak UTC has experienced high demand, often resulting in long waiting times for those applying for or renewing their passports.
While the Perak UTC office has been limited to processing passport applications and renewals, the full-service counters at the KDN Complex offer a broader range of services. These services include checks and references, providing users with a more comprehensive immigration experience.
“At Perak UTC, we are restricted to handling passport-related services, but here at the KDN Complex, we are offering full services. This will allow the public to complete all their immigration needs, not just passport issuance, in one place,” said Meor Hezbullah.
Walk-In Services Available Without Queue Management System
In an effort to further streamline services, the immigration counters at the KDN Complex are currently operating on a walk-in basis. This means that individuals seeking immigration services do not need to use the Queue Management System (QMS) implemented at the Perak UTC. This walk-in arrangement is designed to make the process more efficient and accessible for the public.
“The public can come directly to the KDN Complex for immigration services without needing to schedule an appointment or use the QMS. This is particularly helpful for those who need urgent assistance,” Meor Hezbullah explained.
Operating Hours for the KDN Complex Immigration Services
The immigration services at the KDN Complex are available from Monday to Friday, operating between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. This schedule provides ample time for individuals to complete their immigration tasks during the workweek.
Meor Hezbullah emphasized that the reopening of the full-service counters at the KDN Complex is part of a broader initiative by the Immigration Department to enhance its service offerings and reduce the strain on existing facilities.
Meeting Growing Public Demand
The decision to reopen full-service counters in Meru Raya comes at a time when public demand for immigration services, particularly passport issuance, is on the rise. The increased capacity at the KDN Complex will play a critical role in meeting this growing demand, especially in Ipoh and the surrounding regions.
“The Immigration Department is committed to improving service delivery and addressing the needs of the public. By reopening the full-service counters in Meru Raya, we are taking a significant step towards achieving these goals,” said Meor Hezbullah.
Long-Term Plans for Service Improvement
Looking ahead, the Perak Immigration Department is exploring additional ways to enhance its service offerings. While the reopening of the full-service counters is a major improvement, the department is also focused on implementing further measures to optimize its operations.
One area of focus is the potential expansion of digital services to complement the in-person services provided at immigration offices. By offering more services online, the department aims to reduce the need for physical visits, further easing congestion at immigration centers.
In the meantime, the department encourages the public to take advantage of the newly reopened counters at the KDN Complex for their immigration needs.
Conclusion
The reopening of full-service counters at the KDN Complex in Meru Raya is a welcome development for the people of Ipoh and surrounding areas. With the increased capacity for passport issuance and the availability of comprehensive immigration services, the Perak Immigration Department is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for its services.
By reducing congestion at the Perak UTC and offering more accessible services at the KDN Complex, the department is making it easier for the public to handle their immigration needs efficiently. As the department continues to explore new ways to improve service delivery, the public can look forward to a more streamlined and user-friendly experience when dealing with immigration matters in Perak.
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