At present, the Immigration Department, including its offices in border towns, only issues the passes on working days.
Border passes are only used by people living in the states bordering Thailand to enter the country.
A department spokesman said it would open counters at the Immigration check points during weekends and public holidays beginning next month to enable the public to apply for them.
The spokesman said apart from helping the public, especially those living near the checkpoints to get the passes, it would also discourage people from using illegal jetties along the state/Thai border.
"Locals can apply for passes at the counters every day beginning next month, from 8am till 4pm.
"This applies to the three border checkpoints at Pengkalan Kubor, Bukit Bunga and here," the spokesman said.
The spokesman said the border passes can be readied in less than five minutes.
All that is required to apply for one is a copy of the applicants's identity card, two passport-sized photographs and a RM10 fee.
When contacted, General Operations Force Ninth battalion commanding officer Superintendent Kamaruddin Yusof welcomed the move, saying it would give locals an option to travel legally into Thailand.
"They should take the opportunity to use the legal channel as it will ensure their safety," he said.
