How did unused validity from old passports affect new ones?

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Unused Passport Validity Led to Travel Complications for Malaysians

Approximately 38,000 10-year passports were issued in Malaysia following a policy change on July 1. Of these, around 26,000 passports had a validity period extending beyond the intended 10 years due to the transfer of unused validity from previous passports. This practice subsequently led to check-in issues for some Malaysian travellers with specific airlines when overseas.
Transfer of Unused Validity Created Passports Exceeding 10 Years

The new 10-year passport policy, implemented on July 1, included a provision to carry forward any remaining validity from an individual's old passport into the new one. This resulted in a significant number of passports, approximately 26,000 out of 38,000 issued, having an effective validity period greater than the stated 10 years. This practice was intended to offer convenience to citizens by extending the lifespan of their travel documents.
Extended Validity Caused International Travel Disruptions

Holders of these extended-validity passports encountered problems when attempting to check in for flights with certain airlines abroad. The core of the issue lies in the fact that some airline systems are programmed to recognise passport validity only up to a maximum of 10 years. This discrepancy between the passport's officially stated validity and the limitations of airline systems created unforeseen travel impediments for affected Malaysian citizens.
Immigration Department Halts Practice and Offers Replacements

In response to the reported complications, the Immigration Department has ceased the practice of adding unused validity to new passports. Furthermore, the department is providing free replacement passports to all individuals whose travel documents were issued with a validity exceeding 10 years due to this transferred validity. This action aims to rectify the situation and prevent further inconvenience for Malaysian travellers.
International Standards and Airline System Limitations

While the Director-General of the Immigration Department has stated that passports exceeding 10 years do not violate International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, the practical implications have proven otherwise. The department has acknowledged that some airline systems have limitations and do not accept passport validity beyond a decade. This highlights a gap between international regulatory standards and the operational requirements of private entities like airlines. Other countries, such as Singapore, cap adult passports at 10 years and only carry forward unused validity for shorter-term passports, while Australia and European Union entry rules also adhere to a strict 10-year issuance limit for non-EU travellers.

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How did unused validity from old passports affect new ones?

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