Yes...that title though. As noob as it may sound, I'd actually found myself Googled them up the other day. Hahaha. I did my first passport way back in 2012 for two years and I hadn't renew it since...since well, I am not going anywhere, so what's the point right? But this end of month, we have an office trip to Macau, thus I have to renew it again. Renewal of passport has a new rule, whereby the 2 years renewal policy aren't available anymore. Now, the new policy is to renew for 5 years for RM200 (last time was RM300).
I went to Kelana Jaya Immigration Centre because I think that is the closer to my house. Bad choices as it was jammed heavily to go there! The usual road we took is closed and my husband had to make a big u-turn in the heavy traffic. Oh boy, how he was pissed. I didn't dare to ask any questions, because even a simple "how do you think the weather today, darling?" would invite a death stare from him..haha. But, I am blessed because he willing to send me there anyway.
After like an endless journey, we arrived there at 9.30am and the place is congested with people! Hardly any space to stand and I couldn't see any counters (-____-) I got my number, (where I had to re-queue because I hadn't filled up the form haishh) and the number was 1171 whereby the current number was 1030!!!! 141 people to go..yeah, it sounds very fun ey? I should've take one whole day of leave hmmm..
I didn't wait inside since it was too crowded, thus I killed time wandering outside. Had a breakfast at nearby Mamak. Yeap, you heard me, me eating at Mamak...alone. They got two restaurants there, a Mamak's and Chinese restaurant next to the immigration office. But if you walk further, there's one Malay restaurant too. As expected, the food weren't that great but at least it filled my grumbling tummy.
Luckily I brought my book with me. Although it is kind of awkward to read "Grey" in public..no, not that part is awkward but the part where you realized there were many people stood behind you and they probably peeking through the book too... Whenever I think there were people "reading" together (especially the ehem ehem part), I flipped the pages real close or I just played with my Ipad instead. I should've listened to my instict that morning to bring another book..
My turn was up at about 2pm like finally.. I noticed, when the number started to reach 100ish, many of the called numbers didn't show up. I bet most of them has already home as it was too slow. Here, you no need to bring copy of a passport picture. They will take your picture straightaway. Each counter has its individual camera. All you have to do is to pose and smile (while other people watching you..). The officer would collect your old passport, do a thumb print verification and there were form signing too. For women, we're not supposed to wear earrings while taking picture but I didn't knew that at first and the officer didn't say a thing. Maybe because mine is too small (I'm wearing my favourite Tiffany's pearl). For men, if you're wearing a round collar tshirt, there were coats provided. During the photography session, you must open your eye and don't smile too much. Even if you have a white shiny teeth, it is not necessary to show them off. The immigration officer is so nice to let me check whether I like the picture or not as she doesn't mind to take another shot and I'm like "oh, takpe. Dah comel dah". So much of self-esteem ey?
Then, after your picture is taken, you'll be given a slip for payment and you have to wait another round for your number to be called...yet again. But this process aren't that long. It takes about 15 - 30 minutes (because most people has left). Here, at the payment counter, you will be given a red paper/slip/receipt for passport collection after 1 hour. I went to get my lunch and come back after like 40 minutes or so and passed my red slip. To my surprise, after 5 minutes, my name was called. Wow..I think the passport must be ready in 15 - 30 minutes. Here, you'll be given your old passport and new passport, take a thumb print verification, sign a receipt and you shall not set your foot here again for another 5 years.
I've seen some people lost their temper when they see there weren't people at the payment counter and eavesdropped them complaining that not all counters were occupied. I looked my watch and it was 12pm. Come on..it's lunch hour. There were still 2-3 counters open out of 6 counters. They are human too. What do you expect? For them to sit there continuously until evening without any breaks? Haish..I don't understand these kind of people. When there is only 1 payment counter, of course the person in charge had to have a quick toilet break or lunch and rush back to his counter. I swear, he never left his place for more than 30 minutes. Imagine to have work at his place.. Please, have a heart lah people. I work in a bank and attend customers, so I understand when I see my colleagues didn't even had a chance to have a lunch break when there were heavy customers. And what do they know? Complain and complains! I've witnessed all the staffs there are working their best and focus on their works, unlike some viral photos I've seen showing government officers playing Candy Crush while working... After the lunch hour over, at about 2pm, the numbers are moving fast again. See....it is not that bad. Patience is virtue guys.
So now, passport check, next thing is..to pick a destination. Too bad, the pocket doesn't really allow it..at the moment. hahahaha.
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