Are there regional differences in issuing special passes?

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Regional Differences in Special Pass Issuance Exist

Foreign nationals with expired social visit passes in Malaysia have encountered varying experiences when attempting to obtain special passes, suggesting potential regional disparities in the issuance process. While the Home Minister announced the availability of special passes for those needing additional time to depart, the practical application appears inconsistent across different states.
Disparities in Processing at Immigration Departments

Reports indicate that some Immigration Department offices have successfully processed special pass applications, while others have not. For instance, the Immigration Department in Penang reportedly informed British citizen Ronald Mooney that they had not received directives to issue special passes, preventing him from applying. In contrast, individuals in other locations such as Langkawi, Ipoh, and Putrajaya have reportedly succeeded in obtaining special passes.
Challenges with Appointment Scheduling

Even where special passes are theoretically available, obtaining an appointment to submit an application has become a significant hurdle for many. The influx of foreigners seeking extensions has led to lengthy waiting times for appointments, with the earliest available slots often falling in May. A check of the online appointment system for the Penang Immigration Department revealed the earliest available date to be May 27, illustrating the difficulty in securing timely processing.
Individuals Seeking Applications in Other States

The difficulties encountered in some states have prompted individuals to travel to other regions to apply for their special passes. Testimonies from a private Facebook group indicate that some foreigners have resorted to travelling to states like Kedah and Perak, or even to Putrajaya, in an effort to secure the necessary documentation for their extended stay. This suggests that the accessibility and responsiveness of Immigration Department offices vary geographically.

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Are there regional differences in issuing special passes?

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