Malaysian PR (Permit Masuk): Immigration and Police Home Visit, File Transfer to Putrajaya and Approval

Stages after the Police Interview

Checking Status and Follow-up with Immigration

I continued to check my status online at https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/eservices/myPermit?semakStatusPermit and it showed:

About 7 months after the police interview I renewed my passport and transferred my LTSVP, so at the same time I followed up at the Permit Masuk counter and updated them with my new passport details. The immigration officer said that my file was still with them and that they would contact me.

Immigration and Police Home Visit (February 2024)

Approximately 10 months after the police interview we had an unannounced home visit by 2 immigration officers and 1 police officer; fortunately my wife and I were both at home.

The officers asked questions about employment, salary, family etc., and asked to see information such as: Applicant’s passport, Malaysian spouse IC, employment letter, pay slips, utility bills, marriage certificate, S&P Agreement, wedding photos.

One immigration officer took photos in each room, inside our wardrobes, of our family photos, our documents and of us.

The officers were polite and professional and the visit was conducted mainly in BM. At the end they said they would submit their report which may take about 1 month. One of the Immigration Officers called me 1 week after the visit to clarify some information.

File transfer to Putrajaya Immigration HQ (November 2024)

9 months after the home visit my online status was updated to say my file had been transferred to HQ at Putrajaya. At this stage the application is passed to KDN (Ministry of Home Affairs) for the Permit Masuk & Residence Pass Panel Committee to make a decision:

Approval of Permit Masuk (December 2024)

3 weeks later my status had changed again, this time to show that my application had been approved:

Next Steps

Once I receive the approval letter from Immigration I will need to take the following steps to finalise everything:

• Shorten LTSVP at state immigration office
• Go to Putrajaya for the Permit Masuk stamp
• Apply to JPN for Red IC (MyPR)

Driving in Malaysia: Renew Competent Driving Licence (CDL) with new passport

I needed to renew my CDL driving licence with my new passport details so I went to JPJ Wangsa Maju around 2 weeks before the expiry of my current licence. If you are changing passport details or requesting a physical licence, these have to be done at JPJ state offices but otherwise foreigners can renew at UTC.

Remember dress code: no shorts/t-shirts/ slippers /short skirts

I arrived at 745am on a Thursday, there were many parking spaces (parking now has to be paid for) and I joined the queue at Pintu 1 (Ground Floor). The doors opened at 8am and I took a queue ticket as the JPJeQ app didn’t seem to be in use.

I needed the following documents:

• Passport (both old and new if changing)
• Photocopy of passport (& old passport if changing)
• Photocopy of LTSVP (Spouse Pass)
• Current Driving licence
• Photocopy of current driving licence (front AND back)
• Photo (white background) if you are changing photo. 
• Flight tickets/ Proof of travel (if you want a physical driving licence to use overseas you need to provide proof of upcoming travels. Otherwise the renewal slip they will issue to you is NOT valid overseas)

I advised the officer that I needed to change my passport details and was given form JPJ L7 to fill in. If you want you can download and complete this form in advance from www.jpj.gov.my  

If you do that the sections to be completed are:

• B: Old passport number
• C1: Name and date of birth
• C2: Address
• C3: New passport number
• E: Date and sign

My queue number was called at 845am, I handed over the form, passports and licence, plus flight details. Foreigners are given the option to choose a licence length of up to 5 years (dependent on your passport expiry date). The date of your CDL licence expiration will be the same as your birthday. The fee for foreigners is RM60/year and is payable by debit or credit card only. I had expected to be charged RM20 for the physical licence, but the officer said there was no extra charge.

At 9am my name was called and my new physical licence was ready. I was very impressed by how easy and quick the whole process was.

Updates on STO appointments for Malaysia Immigration offices

Previously all immigration offices used the STO system for mandatory appointments. 

Applicants had to book an appointment using this link: 

https://sto.imi.gov.my/STO/home.php 

Currently only Selangor and KL use the STO system, all other offices only allow walk-ins.

******************************************

**UPDATE 1st November 2024**

Putrajaya does not use the STO system (only walk in is allowed), but from 1st November 2024 they say visitors should use the QMS app for getting a queue number. See:

https://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/pengumuman/qms-mobile-apps/ 

You can download the QMS app from Google Play or Apple Store.

**UPDATE 20th June 2024**

Kuala Lumpur Immigration have announced they are going back to using the STO system. 

So both Selangor and KL once again require applicants to make an STO appointment.

**UPDATE 10th June 2024** 

Selangor Immigration have announced they are going back to using the STO system.

*******************************************************************

It was announced on 31st May 2024 that the STO appointment system will no longer operate with effect from 1st June. Instead immigration will accept walk ins and there is a 'no wrong door policy'.

Renew your LTSVP online, but to collect the pass walk in rather than making an appointment.

Spouse Pass Malaysia: Transferring LTSVP to a new passport

I recently replaced my passport. Once I had received it I decided to transfer my LTSVP to the new passport at Jalan Duta (KL).

Some people suggest you can leave it until you renew your LTSVP and have the new pass put directly into the new passport, but there are 2 potential issues with this:

• You will not be able to renew your LTSVP online and will have to try to get an appointment to apply for renewal in person.
• If you intend to travel then the pass must be in your passport (you may also need the pass in your passport if you are ever stopped by immigration)

I went to Jalan Duta to ask about the process and was told that I needed an STO appointment, my Malaysian spouse to be present and to complete Surat Akuan, Imm55 & Im38. Therefore I had a Surat Akuan attested at a Commissioner For Oaths (cost RM30) and completed the other forms.

But when I returned on my STO appointment date with these forms I was told that they weren’t needed. I had been given incorrect information; instead the correct process is:

1. Make STO appointment, choose the correct office, the ‘Kupitan Passport' option and your preferred time and date https://sto.imi.gov.my/STO/home.php 
2. Complete the IM12 form (and attach passport photo) and bring it to your appointment. You can get IM12 from Immigration or download it online
3. Bring originals and copies of the following to your appointment:

• Old and new passports (copy of bio pages only)
• Marriage certificate
• Spouse IC (copy of both sides)
• Current LTSVP

It took 2½ hours from taking a number to collecting the passports.

I was not charged a fee for transferring my LTSVP, but apparently certain nationalities do need to pay a fee to have their multiple entry visa transferred. The immigration officer can advise you.

My new passport has now been registered on the Immigration system so I can use it for renewal of LTSVP. 

I can also use it at the Autogates when travelling through KLIA1 and KLIA2, although the first time I travelled on my new passport the system did not recognise it so I had to go to the manual counter. On subsequent trips I was able to use the Autogates without any problems.

Malaysian PR (Permit Masuk): Learning and Improving my Bahasa Malaysia for PR Interviews

A basic proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia (BM) is a requirement for all PR applicants. The Immigration and Police interviews will be conducted in BM, and whilst being fluent is not expected, applicants should be able to understand the questions and be able to respond in BM.
 
I've never been great at learning languages, and I wasn't confident about having to speak BM in the PR interviews. However, I put in a lot of preparation and managed to pass both interviews.

This is how I learnt/improved my BM:
 
1) Took BM lessons

A few years ago I took BM lessons once a week for 3 months. A professional teacher taught me the basics fairly quickly and gave a good foundation for understanding the language. There are many classes available. Here are some examples:

• https://www.alslanguage.com.my/ 
• https://www.ymcakl.com/page/204/Language-Courses/ 
• https://expatsmalaysia.my/malay-language-course/

2) Used the Ling language learning app

It had been a while since my BM lessons, so I signed up for the Ling language app to practice speaking and listening to BM in everyday situations. It is one of the few apps offering BM: https://ling-app.com/ 

 
3) Revised the type of questions that might be asked

I wrote out a list of all of the questions I saw other applicants had been asked, as well as general knowledge on Malaysia, and translated them and my answers into BM. I also learnt the national anthem (Negaraku) and Rukun Negara. See below for example questions
 
4) Practiced speaking BM with my spouse

As well as day to day conversations, my wife and I practiced the likely interview questions. My wife recorded the questions on my phone so that I could listen and practice answering them on my own.

Although I didn't try this myself, another option is to learn from YouTube language channels. A couple that I have seen recommended are:

• Sierra Lisse: https://www.youtube.com/@sierralisse8897 
• Tina Amir: https://www.youtube.com/@TinaAmir 

Example Questions:

Below are some questions that other people have been asked at their interviews. I translated them into BM and prepared my answers for them:
 
Questions about you and your spouse:

• Can you speak BM?
• What is your name?
• What country do you come from?
• What is your address/where do you stay?
• Do you own or rent the house?
• What is your age?
• What is your date of birth?
• Where were you born?
• What is your wife/husband’s date of birth?
• What is your religion?
• What date did you first come to Malaysia and what was your reason for visiting?
• What was the date of your first LTSVP?
• How long have you lived in Malaysia?
• How and when did you meet?
• How long you have been married?
• What was your marriage date?
• Do you have any children?
• What are your occupations?
• Which company do you/your spouse work for?
• What are your salaries?
• What is your wife/husband’s monthly salary?
• How many family members do you have?
• Do you have siblings?
• Do you have family in your home country?
• What are your family members occupations?
• Where does your family live?
• How many siblings does your wife/husband have?
• Where does your wife/husband’s family live?
• How many times do you go to your country in a year?
• What are your education qualifications?
• What are your wife/husband’s qualifications?
• Why do you want to apply for PR?
• What do you like about Malaysia?
• What do you like to do in Malaysia in your free time?
• What does your wife/husband like to do?
• What food do you like?
• What is your telephone number?
• Do you follow politics? This was asked at my Police interview. Foreigners are not allowed to get involved in Malaysian politics.
  

 
General knowledge questions about Malaysia:

• What is the National Flower?
• What colour is the National Flower?
• What is the name of the Malaysian flag?
• How many colours does the flag have and what are they?
• How many stripes and what other symbols are on the flag?
• When is Malaysia Independence Day (Hari Merdeka)?
• When is Malaysia Day (Hari Malaysia)?
• How many states and federal territories are there and what are they?
• Who is the king?
• Who is the Prime Minister?
• Who is the Deputy Prime Minister
• Who are some other cabinet ministers?
• Who was the first Prime Minister?
• Can you name all of Malaysia's prime ministers?
• Sing the National Anthem (Negaraku). Stand up when singing it to show respect!
• Recite Rukun Negara

It is very important to learn Negaraku and Rukun Negara, as applicants can be asked to sing/recite them at either (or both) PR interviews.

Malaysian PR (Permit Masuk): Police Interview for Spouse

Attend Police Interview (April 2023)

I had my interview at Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontingen in KL, the process may be different at other police stations. 

The immigration officer had said that the police would call us to arrange the interview between 6 months and 1 year after the immigration interview but we actually received a call after 5 months, and were asked if we could come to the police station the next day.

The police officer asked us to bring the originals and 2 copies of the following documents:

• Foreign spouse passport (copy bio page)
• Foreign spouse LTSVP
• Foreign spouse birth certificate
• Local spouse IC (copy both sides)
• Local spouse birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Immigration confirmation letter (given to us after we submitted the application to Immigration)

I also printed a list with the following information:

• Family members of both spouses with name, age, occupation & address
• Schools the foreign spouse has attended and education qualifications

The police officer was pleased we had printed this list as it made her job a little easier!

We also brought the original documents submitted as part of our Immigration application (current & old passports/IC/wedding certificate/birth certificate/ sponsor’s payslips & employment letter/utility bill/bond receipt etc) in case we were asked to show them.

Both the applicant and Malaysian spouse are interviewed at the same time. Our interview was as at Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontingen (IPK), KL (near LaLaPort mall). We parked in the police compound and registered at the gate. We arrived very early ahead of our appointment, but there was no need to do so as we were asked to wait by the gate until we were collected by an officer at the appointed interview time. 

The officers were professional, friendly, and made us feel at ease. Another couple had their PR interview with a different police officer in the same room, at the same time.

We were primarily asked about our relationship history, occupations and salaries, family members, education, and the reasons for my PR application. The police can also ask the same questions as Immigration, including requesting to recite the Rukun Negara and sing Negaraku.

See my post here on how I improved my BM for the PR interviews, and the questions that might be asked: 

https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2023/04/malaysia-permanent-residence-pr-permit_20.html

The interview lasted 1½ hours, including the time the officer spent entering data into their system.

At the end of the interview I was advised that my file will now be passed to Bukit Aman who will carry out background checks, which can take around 1 year. The file is then passed back to Immigration for review and following that it is sent to HQ at Putrajaya for a decision.  

The police officer said I should regularly follow up with Immigration to check on the status. I was also reminded that I must continue to renew my LTSVP.

I checked my status online at https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/eservices/myPermit?semakStatusPermit

Malaysian PR (Permit Masuk): Immigration Interview for Spouse

Arrange and attend Immigration Interview (November 2022)

I had my interview in KL, the process may be different at other state offices. 

I was advised to arrange the Immigration interview for about 4 months after submitting my Permit Masuk application. I did this at https://www.imi.gov.my/ and chose Sistem Temujanji Online (STO) and [Visa] Permit Masuk options. Appointments are usually booked up 3 months  in advance.

I printed out the appointment email to show to Immigration on the day of my appointment.

On the day of my interview I brought the original documents that were submitted as part of my application (current & old passports/IC/wedding certificate/birth certificate/ sponsor’s payslips & employment letter/utility bill/bond receipt etc) plus the confirmation letter given to me when I submitted my application.

Both the applicant and Malaysian spouse are interviewed at the same time. The officer who interviewed us was polite and professional. The interview was in Bahasa Malaysia (BM).

I prepared and revised the type of questions that would be asked. Both I and my wife were asked questions about our relationship, and I was also asked general knowledge questions about Malaysia.

See my post here on how I improved my BM for the PR interviews, and the questions that might be asked: 

https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2023/04/malaysia-permanent-residence-pr-permit_20.html

I was asked the following questions:

• Can you speak BM?
• When was your first LTSVP issued?
• When did you first come to Malaysia and what was your reason for visiting?
• How and when did you and your wife meet?
• What are your occupations?
• Who is the Prime Minister?
• What is the national flower?
• What are the colours of the Malaysian flag?
• Recite Rukun Negara
• Sing Negaraku

There is a specific space on the checklist the officer filled out to confirm I knew Rukun Negara and Negaraku so learning them was very important!

The Immigration Officer confirmed that he was happy with our application and interview and said that the next stage is the police interview which should take place within the next 6 months to 1 year.

I checked my status online at https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/eservices/myPermit?semakStatusPermit  

Malaysian PR (Permit Masuk): Application Process for Spouse

Application process

I applied in KL, the process and the documents required may be different at other state offices. 

Complete all forms and gathered all information/documents requested
1) Collect original forms and checklist from Immigration Permit Masuk counter.

2) Make appointment to submit application:
I was only able to arrange an appointment date for 3 months time. 
I did this at https://www.imi.gov.my/ and chose Sistem Temujanji Online (STO) option. Made appointment for [Visa] Permit Masuk and printed out the confirmation letter to bring to the appointment.

3) Complete all forms and put together all information/documents requested.
This included recent passport photos (blue background), statutory declaration (witnessed by Commissioner for Oaths), sponsor’s payslips and employment letter etc. I completed the forms in BM. I needed to allow plenty of time to do this as a lot of information is required.

Note that the foreign spouse must have their birth certificate certified by their Embassy. 

As a UK citizen, I couldn't get the British High Commission to certify my birth certificate, as they do not certify any documents. Instead, I had to download a letter from the UK government website explaining their policy and then had my birth certificate notarised by a Notary Public in KL. I submitted both the letter and the notarised birth certificate as part of my application. The UK government letter can be downloaded here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/confirm-a-notarial-or-document-service-is-not-available 

Submit Application at Immigration (July 2022)
Both the applicant and Malaysian spouse must attend. I brought the print out of my appointment email plus all original documents and copies requested.

Before I was allowed to submit my application the officer asked me in BM ‘Who is the Prime Minister?’ and advised that I will need to speak BM in the interviews.

Once my application was accepted I was given a confirmation letter to keep safely and bring to the immigration and police interviews. It also had a reference number so that I could check the status of my application online.

The officer then asked me to make an appointment for the immigration interview in about 4 months time.

Driving in Malaysia: Convert Probationary Driving Licence (PDL) to Competent Driving Licence (CDL)

After 2 years of holding a PDL you can convert it to CDL (i.e. a full driving licence)

I did my conversion at JPJ Wangsa Maju. Driving licences are dealt with at Pintu 1.
Queues can be long, it took me 3 hours from arriving (at 10am) to get my CDL issued.
When I visited (March 2022) JPJ Wangsa Maju closed for sanitisation between 1pm and 2pm each day.

You can apply within 7 days prior to the expiration of your PDL; this will mean that you have no break in dates between PDL expiring and CDL becoming valid and can continue driving during that time.

You must apply for your CDL within one (1) year from the PDL expiry date or you will need to repeat the driving test.

At JPJ dress rules may be enforced e.g. no shorts/t-shirts/ slippers /short skirts. You may be turned away if you are not dressed correctly.

Bring the following documents:

• Original passport
• Photocopy of passport
• Original driving licence
• Photocopy of driving licence (front AND back)
• Passport photo (white background)

If you need to change address or passport number on the licence, let the staff know at the registration desk and they will give you the forms to fill in. You will need to bring your old passport (and a photocopy of it) if you are changing your passport number.

You can choose a licence length of up to 5 years dependent on your passport expiry date. The date of your CDL licence expiration will be the same as your date of birth.

Payment for foreigners is Rm60/year. Fees are payable only by debit or credit card, although at Wangsa Maju they apparently will take cash in the morning!

Guide to Renewal of Long Term Social Visit Pass in Malaysia (Spouse Visa) ONLINE

This is the current process (since 6th September 2021):

For passes that have not yet expired renewal must be made online (you can renew it no more than 3 months before it expires). See below for the steps to follow.

1. Visit this link https://www.imi.gov.my/
2. Select "ePLSI " option
3. Register to use the system. Choose "SOCIAL VISIT PASS (SPOUSE OF MALAYSIAN CITIZEN)". Fill in the requested information; "Identification No (NRIC)" is for the Malaysian spouse's information, the rest (Spouse Full Name, Applicant Passport No, Applicant Nationality, Spouse Date Of Birth, Spouse Gender) is for the foreign spouse's information.
4. Log in, change password and start your application. You can make an application when your current pass has less than 3 months before it expires

For passes that have already expired (or have less than 14 days left) you will need to visit Immigration (some states need you to make an STO appointment at https://www.imi.gov.my/)

The online process is as follows:

Documents needed for online renewal:

• Statutory Declaration that the marriage is still valid with 1 photo each of the applicant & Malaysian spouse affixed to it. Both the applicant and the Malaysian spouse must sign the Statutory Declaration in front of a Commissioner for Oaths. You can use the Commissioner for Oaths at immigration or elsewhere.
• Form Imm.38
• Form Imm.55
• Marriage Certificate
• Malaysian Spouse IC (both sides)
• Applicant's Passport (bio page)
• Current LTSVP

Some of the forms are different depending on which office you are renewing at, so check you are using the correct ones

The documents that you upload must each be below 250kB in size. To reduce them you can use this online tool: https://www.ilovepdf.com/compress_pdf

Once your application has been submitted download and save a copy of the application confirmation as Immigration may ask to see it.

Approval and payment process:

The new online process is quick. My application was approved within 3 days and an appointment for collection made for a few days after that.

Once your application has been approved you will receive an email asking you to:

1. Make payment of the visa fees at https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/myimms/main?visapas
2. Make an appointment to collect your new pass. https://www.imi.gov.my/ .Choose the correct office, the ‘Kutipan Passport / social visit pass collection’ or ‘Kutipan Pelekat ePLSI’ option and your preferred time and date.

Collection of Pass:

Both the applicant and the Malaysian spouse must go to Immigration with all of the information listed below. Dress rules may be enforced e.g. no shorts/t-shirts/ slippers /short skirts. You may be turned away if you are not dressed correctly.

1) Print copies of the following and bring them with you:

• Confirmation of appointment date for visa collection
• Email of approval from Immigration
• Receipt for the payment
• Your application confirmation after you have submitted it online
• the last entry stamp into Malaysia from your passport

2) Bring the originals of the following:

• the documents that you submitted for your application (Statutory Declaration, Imm.38 & Imm.55)
• Marriage Certificate
• Applicant's Passport
• Malaysian Spouse IC

If you have children you should also bring copies of their birth certificates/passport/IC.

Note: You may also want to bring a copy of foreign husband’s/wife’s birth certificate, the deeds/tenancy agreement for your house/apartment and a utility bill in case you are asked for them.

Notes for those collecting from Putrajaya:

There is a car park diagonally opposite the back of the Immigration building. 

The queue for LTSVP is at the back of the building, opposite Suruhanjaya Tenaga.

Take the escalators up to Level 3 to get a ticket. 

We started queuing at 730am, the desks opened at 830am and we got our pass at 1015am

Notes for those collecting from KL (Jalan Duta):

The gates open at 715am and there is a large car park at the rear. 

Join the queue at the upstairs office until the doors open at 730am.

We got our number at 8am and received the pass just after 930am

If you need more information join the following Facebook Groups:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ForeignSpouses/
and
https://www.facebook.com/FSSGMY/

The Immigration Facebook page also has regular updates:
https://www.facebook.com/imigresen/

Guide to Renewal of Long Term Social Visit Pass in Malaysia (Spouse Visa) - April 2021

Guide to Renewing Long Term Social Visit Pass in Malaysia 2021

(otherwise known as a Spouse Visa or Spouse Pass)
 
I renewed my pass in April 2021 at the Jalan Duta centre in KL; the process may be different if you are using another state office.
 
The Immigration website says that LTSVP are granted for up to 5 years. However, at Jalan Duta (KL) the maximum granted is currently only 1 year, even if you have previously been given a longer pass.
 
For the LTSVP renewal process the following forms need to be completed:

• Statutory Declaration that the marriage is still valid (1 copy) with 1 photo each of the applicant & Malaysian spouse affixed to it
• Form Imm.38 (1 copy)
• Form Imm.55 (1 copy) 

 You can get the forms from Immigration.
 
You will also need to bring the following to your appointment:

• Applicant's Passport
• Malaysian spouse’s IC
• Photocopy of applicant’s Passport data page
• Photocopy of last entry stamp into Malaysia from the applicant’s Passport
• Photocopy of current LTSVP
• Photocopy of Malaysian spouse’s IC (both sides)
• Photocopy of Marriage Certificate (also bring the original as Immigration may want to see it)
• Hard copy of the email from immigration confirming the date and time of your appointment

If you have children you need to bring copies of their birth certificates.

Note that the Immigration website previously stated that the husband’s/wife’s birth certificate needs to be submitted as well. Other people have also said that a copy of the deeds/tenancy agreement for your house/apartment and 3 months of utility bills are needed. I was not asked for any of these but it is worth bringing them in case you are.

Step by Step guide: 
 
1) Make an appointment online at https://www.imi.gov.my/
Try to do this 3 months in advance of the date you need it as they book up early. I chose an appointment date 3 weeks before my current LTSVP was due to expire.
 
If you have difficulty finding an available appointment try logging on just after midnight when the next day’s appointments are released.
 
Choose STO and select [VISA] - LANJUTAN PAS (JANGKA PANJANG) / LONG TERM VISIT PASS EXTENSION and not any of the ‘PENGUATKUASA’ options, or you will be turned away when you arrive for your appointment!
 
2) Complete all the forms. Both the applicant and the Malaysian spouse must sign the Statutory Declaration in front of a Commissioner for Oaths. To save time it is best to do this before you attend your appointment. We used one in Lucky Garden for RM15.
 
3) Both the applicant and the Malaysian spouse go to Immigration with all of the requested documents. Dress rules may be enforced e.g. no shorts/t-shirts/ slippers /short skirts. You may be turned away if you are not dressed correctly.
 
4) We had an 830am appointment so arrived at 745am and parked inside the compound in front of the building. Join the queue on the left hand side of the doors (the queue on the right is for JPN).
 
5) The doors were opened shortly before 8am. The officers will check your appointment letter (you must bring a paper copy of your appointment email). Go upstairs to have your forms checked. Only the foreign spouse will be allowed to go past this point and so must take all of the documents, including the Malaysian spouse’s original IC, and a credit card or debit card to make payment as cash is not accepted. The Malaysian spouse needs to wait outside.

6) At the second desk your documents will be stamped and at the entrance to the visa department your appointment letter will be checked again and you will be given a queue number.

7) Once inside your number will be called and you submit your forms and supporting documents. Wait for your number to be called again so that you can make payment (RM90 per year). Be aware that tickets for the payment counter are not called in order.

8) Your number will be called again and you will get your passport back with a new LTSVP.  Check the correct pass and period has been given. The whole process took less than 1 hour from the doors being opened to getting the new pass.

If you need more information join the following Facebook Groups which have a lot of useful posts:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ForeignSpouses/
and
https://www.facebook.com/FSSGMY/
 
The Immigration Facebook page also has regular updates:
https://www.facebook.com/imigresen/  

Driving in Malaysia: Can you still drive with your UK (or other country) driving licence and an International Driving Permit?

A lot of recent social media posts have asked if a UK (or other country’s) driving licence can still be used with an International Driving Permit (IDP) to legally drive in Malaysia.

Some posts have stated that ‘the rules changed last year’ (but don't say what rules they are referring to) and that an IDP can only be used by temporary visitors to Malaysia. 

The Road Transport Act 1987 (which sets out the rules for driving in Malaysia) is still in force, and has recently been amended to bring in stricter penalties regarding dangerous driving and drink driving, but there don't seem to be any other changes. There is more detail on the Road Transport Act 1987 here: https://www.lawyerment.com/library/legislation/acts/1987/333/ 

I decided to email JPJ to check and I received an email response from them on 30 October 2020 confirming I “can use UK Valid Domestic Driving License and International Driving Permit (IDP) (According to the defined format on the Convention on Road Traffic Geneva 1949) to drive in Malaysia.” 

The UK government FCO website says the following, which seems to indicate that an IDP can be used for longer term visitors (but a new one needs to be purchased each year). However, also note that if you are not UK resident you cannot legally renew your UK driving licence Photocard when it expires!

There are lots of websites offering 'International Driving Licences'. These are not official documents and are not valid for driving in Malaysia (or elsewhere). Only an International Driving Permit can be used (alongside your home driving licence) and must be obtained from the country where your driving licence was issued.

However, getting an IDP from your home country can be inconvenient so you may decide to take the JPJ driving test to obtain a Malaysian driving licence. This will remove any doubt over the validity of your driving licence. I took my test in March 2020. See my post here: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2020/03/malaysian-driving-lessons-test-for.html

** UPDATE January 2021**

JPJ will now allow more foreign citizens to convert their foreign driving licence to a Malaysian licence - see my updated post here: https://spousevisamalaysia.blogspot.com/2016/05/driving-in-malaysia-do-you-need-to-ask.html