KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's passport has been ranked 12th in the latest global passport index, allowing its holders to travel visa-free to 182 out of 227 destinations worldwide.
According to the Henley Passport Index, which evaluates 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, Malaysia has slipped one position from its previous ranking of 11th last year.
This marks a decline from its peak ranking of 8th place in 2014.The index is based on comprehensive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and reflects the current global landscape of visa-free travel.
Singapore retains the top position in the index, with its citizens enjoying visa-free access to 195 destinations, making it the most powerful passport globally.
Thailand and Indonesia are positioned at 60th and 65th, respectively, while Brunei holds a notable 19th place.
The Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar are ranked 73rd, 86th, 88th, 90th, and 92nd, respectively.
Once holding the coveted top spot, Japan has now been joined in the second position by France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
All five countries provide their citizens with visa-free access to 192 destinations.
Malaysian passport holders can enjoy visa-free entry to prominent destinations, including the United Kingdom, Japan, Italy, Qatar, France, and the United Arab Emirates.