KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 — The 30-day visa exemption for travellers from China and India to Malaysia as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday, will certainly boost the tourism industry.
Malaysian Association of Tour Agency (Mata) President Datuk Dr Mohd Khalid Harun said the decision will help Malaysia become a preferred destination for tourists from China, India, Jordan and Turkiye.
“Mata welcomes the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in stmulating tourism because it will ease the process of arrival for tourists from China, India, Jordan and Turkiye from Dec 1,” he said in a statement tonight.
He said these countries have a large population and a visa-free travel will serve as a welcome booster for deciding to pick Malaysia as their holiday destination. These will translate into a positive attraction for tourists.
“With the exemption of visa, Mata hopes to build on the vast potential and opportunities that such an announcement can provide for the tourism industry. There will be a spillover in the hotel, food & beverage and transport sectors,” he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had yesterday announced that travellers from China and India can enjoy 30-day visa-free travel to Malaysia starting Dec 1.
The Prime Minister added that visa-free facility to gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, as well as West Asian countries Turkiye and Jordan was already available, and the current announcement was in conjunction with the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations with China and extended to India as well.
The exemption is subject to security screening which will be done for all visitors into the country.
— Bernama
