Passports aren’t just pieces of paper that get you from A to B—they’re symbols of national pride.
And for Malaysians, that pride has hit an all-time high as their passport’s sleek design and powerful ranking catch the attention of neighbouring countries, especially Indonesia.
So, how did this all start? Well, it kicked off when images of the Malaysian passport started circulating on social media, and people were blown away.
At first glance, the passport looks like any other, but under UV light, it lights up with hidden details. You’ll find stunning illustrations of Malaysia’s iconic landmarks, like beautiful mosques and historic buildings.
The cover even has the hibiscus, Malaysia’s national flower, giving it that extra classy touch. But these details aren’t just for show—they also double as security features, which sets the passport apart globally.
Through the social media platform X, one person from the neighbouring country remarked that Malaysians are lucky, not only because of the passport’s attractive design but also because the strength of the Malaysian passport is among the best in the world.
“Lucky to be Malaysian. The passport is valuable and can be used to travel anywhere without a visa. Not like us,” one user said.
And it’s not surprising when you consider that Malaysians can access tons of countries visa-free, making travel a breeze.
And here’s the best part: it’s not just about looks. The Malaysian passport is ranked as the 12th most powerful in the world, according to Henley & Partners.
That’s a two-spot jump from last year, meaning Malaysians can now enter 182 countries without needing a visa, compared to 179 last year.
This is Malaysia’s best ranking since 2014, showing just how strong the passport’s reputation has become.
In Southeast Asia, Malaysia’s passport ranks second, right after Singapore, which holds the top spot globally.
In Asia, Malaysia is fourth, following Singapore, Japan, and South Korea. This kind of access has given Malaysians a major reason to feel proud—and has definitely turned a few heads across the region.
