Understanding MDAC Confirmation Process
After successfully submitting your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), you should receive a confirmation email within a few minutes to a few hours. This email contains your MDAC approval and QR code needed for immigration.
What the Confirmation Email Contains
- QR Code: Essential for immigration scanning
- Reference Number: Unique MDAC application ID
- Personal Details: Name, passport number, travel dates
- Approval Status: Confirmation of successful submission
- Instructions: What to present at immigration
Common Reasons for Missing Confirmation Emails
Email-Related Issues
- Email in spam/junk folder
- Incorrect email address entered
- Email server delays
- Full inbox blocking new emails
- Email filters blocking government emails
System-Related Issues
- High system traffic causing delays
- Incomplete application submission
- Payment processing delays
- Technical maintenance periods
- Document verification pending
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Step 1: Check Your Email Thoroughly
Email Search Checklist
- Spam/Junk Folder: Check all spam and junk mail folders
- Promotions Tab: Look in Gmail's Promotions or Updates tab
- All Mail: Search for "MDAC", "Malaysia", or "Digital Arrival"
- Blocked Senders: Check if government emails are blocked
- Email Rules: Review automatic filtering rules
Step 2: Verify Your Email Address
Double-check the email address you provided during MDAC application:
- Look for typos in your email address
- Ensure you used the correct domain (.com, .org, etc.)
- Check if you accidentally used an old or inactive email
- Verify there are no extra spaces or characters
Step 3: Check Application Status Online
Visit the MDAC application portal to check your application status:
- Go to the MDAC application portal
- Look for "Check Application Status" or similar option
- Enter your passport number and reference number (if available)
- Review the status and any pending requirements
Step 4: Wait for Processing Time
Consider normal processing timeframes:
- Immediate: Most confirmations arrive within 15-30 minutes
- Standard: Up to 2-4 hours during normal periods
- Peak Times: Up to 24 hours during high traffic
- Holidays: Extended delays during Malaysian public holidays
What to Do Based on Different Scenarios
Scenario 1: Email in Spam Folder
Solution:
- Move the email to your inbox
- Mark the sender as "Not Spam"
- Add the sender to your contacts
- Create a filter to prevent future emails from going to spam
Scenario 2: Wrong Email Address
Solution:
- Contact MDAC customer support immediately
- Provide your passport number and travel details
- Request email address correction
- May need to resubmit application with correct email
Scenario 3: System Delays
Solution:
- Wait 24-48 hours for system processing
- Check application status online regularly
- Contact support if no response after 48 hours
- Keep all application reference numbers
Scenario 4: Application Incomplete
Solution:
- Log back into the MDAC system
- Complete any missing information
- Upload any required documents
- Resubmit the completed application
Alternative Ways to Retrieve Your MDAC
Online Portal Access
If you have your reference number:
- Log into the MDAC application portal
- Use "Retrieve Application" or similar function
- Enter passport number and reference number
- Download or print your confirmation
Customer Support Assistance
Contact MDAC support channels:
- Provide passport number and travel dates
- Explain the confirmation email issue
- Request manual resend of confirmation
- Ask for alternative delivery methods
Preventing Future Email Issues
Email Setup Best Practices
- Use Primary Email: Use your most frequently checked email address
- Whitelist Domains: Add Malaysian government domains to safe senders
- Check Filters: Ensure no filters block government communications
- Clear Inbox: Ensure sufficient storage space
Application Best Practices
- Double-check email address before submitting
- Use a reliable internet connection
- Complete application in one session
- Save reference numbers immediately
- Take screenshots of confirmation pages
Emergency Situations
Travel Within 24-48 Hours
If you're traveling soon and haven't received confirmation:
Urgent Action Required
- Contact MDAC support immediately via phone
- Explain your urgent travel situation
- Provide all application details
- Request expedited processing or manual confirmation
- Consider alternative travel arrangements if necessary
At the Airport Without Confirmation
If you arrive at the airport without MDAC confirmation:
- Inform immigration officers about your situation
- Provide passport and any reference numbers
- Show proof of MDAC application submission
- Be prepared for additional processing time
- Cooperate fully with immigration procedures
Technical Troubleshooting Tips
Email Client Issues
- Gmail: Check All Mail, Spam, and Promotions tabs
- Outlook: Check Junk Email and Clutter folders
- Yahoo: Look in Spam and Bulk folders
- Apple Mail: Check Junk folder and VIP settings
Mobile Email Apps
- Refresh your email app manually
- Check notification settings
- Ensure app has internet connectivity
- Try accessing email via web browser
What Information to Have Ready When Contacting Support
When reaching out for help, prepare the following information:
Personal Information
- Full name as on passport
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Email address used for application
Application Details
- Application submission date and time
- Reference number (if available)
- Planned travel dates
- Entry point to Malaysia
- Screenshots of submission confirmation
Common Error Messages and Solutions
"Application Not Found"
Possible Causes: Incorrect reference number, system delays, incomplete submission
Solution: Double-check reference number, wait for processing, contact support
"Email Address Invalid"
Possible Causes: Typo in email address, unsupported email format
Solution: Verify email format, resubmit with correct address
"System Temporarily Unavailable"
Possible Causes: Maintenance, high traffic, technical issues
Solution: Wait and try again later, check system announcements
Contact Information for MDAC Support
MDAC Support Channels
Email: support@mdac.gov.my (example)
Phone: +603-8880 1000 (Immigration Department)
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Malaysia Time)
Website: Check the MDAC application portal for current contact details
Prevention Tips for Future Applications
Best Practices to Avoid Confirmation Issues
- Use a reliable, frequently-checked email address
- Add Malaysian government domains to your safe senders list
- Complete applications during off-peak hours
- Save all reference numbers and confirmation screens
- Submit applications well in advance of travel dates
- Keep alternative contact methods available