For many, a passport is just a travel document, something you pull out when heading to the airport.
But in reality, a passport can say a lot about a country’s global standing, diplomatic ties, and economic influence.
The stronger the passport, the easier it is for citizens to explore the world without visa hassles.
And right now, Malaysians have plenty to celebrate.
Malaysia climbs the Ranks
According to the latest Passport Index ranking, Malaysia has climbed three spots to secure the 9th most powerful passport in the world.
That means Malaysians can now travel to 170 countries without needing a visa, making international trips smoother and more accessible.
While this is great news for Malaysians, it has also sparked envy among some of their Southeast Asian neighbours, especially in Indonesia, where netizens have been vocal about their frustration over their own passport’s limitations.
Indonesians express their jealousy
Social media has been flooded with reactions from Indonesians comparing their passport ranking to Malaysia’s. Many couldn’t help but feel envious of the ease with which Malaysians can travel.
I’m jealous of Malaysia. They can travel freely to Western countries and Islamic nations without hassle. Their citizens truly benefit from this,” one Indonesian netizen wrote.
And it’s not just about passport power, some also pointed out how Malaysia has progressed in other areas, including economic growth, infrastructure, and living standards.
Indonesia’s passport lags behind
For comparison, Indonesia’s passport ranks 55th, a significant gap from Malaysia’s top 10 position. Indonesians can only travel to 92 countries visa-free, which is nearly half of what Malaysians can access.
This stark difference has fueled even more discussion online, with some Indonesians lamenting how much harder it is for them to travel internationally compared to their Malaysian neighbors.
A sign of Malaysia’s progress
With Malaysia now officially among the top 10 most powerful passports, it’s clear that the country is making strides on the world stage.
For Malaysians, this means greater freedom to explore the world without the hassle of visa restrictions. And for their neighbours? it’s probably another reason to keep an eye on Malaysia’s growing influence.
