JAKARTA - Malaysia’s Immigration Department warned passport applicants on May 28 not to use photographs generated or altered with artificial intelligence when applying for Malaysian passports. The department said false photos or information in passport applications could lead to rejection and action under the Passport Act 1966.
The warning applies to Malaysian citizens submitting passport applications, including online applications. The department said applicants must use original and clear photographs that comply with immigration specifications. It said passport photos must show the face clearly, use even lighting, avoid shadows and avoid alteration through applications or AI technology.
“Any false photo or information submitted may result in the application being rejected, and the applicant may face action under existing legal provisions,” the department said in the Facebook post cited by local media.
The department also says photographs are taken in the passport section using a facial live capture tool. Its guidance says applicants must wear dark-coloured clothing that covers the shoulders and chest. For children under four, the department lists a 35mm by 50mm photo with a white background and no shadow.
The warning follows an earlier reminder from Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban on May 19. He said officers processing online passport applications can identify AI-generated images. He also linked the reminder to the department’s work on a new version of the Malaysian International Passport, which was designed with 94 security features.
The rollout of that new passport has been delayed. Malaysia’s state-owned agency Bernama reported on May 26 that the Immigration Department postponed issuance from the original June 1 schedule to a later date to be announced. Zakaria said Malaysians can still renew passports as usual, and current valid passports remain usable until expiry.
