KULIM, Jan 25- The processing time for entry permit applications has now been improved to a maximum of six months, provided all required documents are submitted in full.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the new process gives priority to Malaysian citizens who married to foreigners.

"Today I announce about improving the management of our first entry permit that will be processed according to a more realistic customer charter which is six months after the complete application is submitted."

"We will process the documents as usual and also the results of the security screening by the police."

"There are cases that have to wait 15 years, there are also 17 years, 12 years and 10 years. This time we say that within a period of six months when the application documents are completed and the security screening process is completed, the applicant will get a decision," he said.

He said this at a press conference after officiating the Home Ministry’s ‘Sua Mesra’ programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Karangan, here.

Meanwhile, a new standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been introduced to guide applicants clearly, including a comprehensive document checklist and application guidelines.

From 2020 to 2024, a total of 23,674 applications were processed with 52 percent of them being approved, while another 48 percent were rejected.

In another development, the final approval of the Malaysian Football Association's (FAM) application regarding the citizenship of the four heritage players will be known as early as one month.

Saifuddin said a review process will be carried out to determine the category of applications whether they have blood relationship with Malaysians or not.

"First I will check whether the six in the category list are related by blood. We will see if either one of their parent are Malaysians."

"If it meets the conditions, it will be processed under Article 15 of the Federal Constitution. But if we check that there is no direct blood relationship, then it will be processed according to Article 19 of the Federal Constitution," he added.

Today, FAM explained that the four new heritage players who will strengthen Harimau Malaya are awaiting final approval from the Malaysian government.

The governing body also confirmed that the documentation process for four other players is being completed.

The head coach of the national football squad, Peter Cklamovski, was drawn in Group F for the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign with Nepal, Laos, and Vietnam.