Passport to Israel - Government relaxes restrictions

Indeed an early Christmas gift for Christians - The Government announced the lifting of restrictions on pilgrimages to Israel for Malaysians.

The Star reported that

Malaysia has relaxed restrictions for religious visits to Israel, lifting the quota on the number of pilgrims and allowing travel to anyone for up to 21 days at a time.

According a letter issued by the Prime Minister's Office to the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) on Nov 28, Christians can also, among others, visit Israel as many times as they want as well as travel anywhere, subject to approval from the authorities there.

Previously, pilgrimages to Israel were limited to 700 Malaysians each year, with only 40 from one church and a stay of only up to 10 days at a time.

The pilgrims, who must be at least 18 years old, were also not allowed to visit Israel more than once in three years.

There are now no more quotas for those travelling for religious purposes to Israel.

A 10-day visit to Israel could cost between RM8,000 and RM12,000.

Malaysia has no diplomatic relations with Israel.


A friend who is using the 1000 Places To See Before You Die book as a guide to his travels would be glad to know about this news. Have you been to Israel? Share with us your experience.


Source: The Star..Government relaxes Israel travel ban

Cheaper International Malaysian Passport

For people who only travel infrequently overseas, this new move to make passports cheaper is certainly great news. People who accompany their children studying abroad and those going to Mecca for the haj or would identify with this.

The new rate is RM100 instead of RM300. Named the Alternative International Malaysian Passport, it is valid for two years instead of the usual five that costs RM300 for a 32-page passpost, RM600 for a 64-page passport.

Apparently, the move to produce an alternative passport is due to complaints from those who seldom travelled abroad that they were forced to pay a hefty sum for a passport.

Also availability of low-fare airline flights and various af­­fordable holiday packages encourage more Malaysians to travel now.

Great news, yes?


Source: The Star.. Infrequent travellers can opt for cheaper passports

NRD, Immigration departments in Malacca to operate on weekends

Saturdays used to be a day for errands but ever since banks and government departments close on Saturdays, doing errands is now troublesome as I need to take time-off during weekdays. I even take leave at times. At least, people in Malacca have something to cheer up as the National Registration Department (NRD) and the Immigration department located at the state Home Affairs Ministry building will start operating on weekends. More..