By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Mar 13 — Airlines are required to verify that travellers from China and India entering Malaysia under the visa-free entry programme have confirmed return tickets and hotel bookings.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said this is to prevent tourists from abusing their visas and overstaying in the country, ensuring compliance with immigration regulations.
“In regards to the 30-day visa exemption granted to China and India citizens from December 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, the Immigration Department has taken precautionary measures and carried out comprehensive preparations,” he said in a written parliamentary reply.
“This includes strengthening control and enforcement procedures to prevent immigration offences such as passport misuse and overstaying.”
He was responding to a question by Pekan MP Datuk Seri Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali on the government’s preparation to ensure tourists from both countries do not overstay in Malaysia and if there are any such cases to date.
Among other measures, Saifuddin said the government has established a special team to monitor the outbound movements of tourists from China and India and increased inspection activities in areas with a high concentration of foreigners, such as Plaza Lowyat, Bukit Bintang and Masjid India.
The government is also maintaining its strict procedure on the issuance of Not-to-Land (NTL) notices.
Additionally, he said tourists are mandated to fill out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card, which is integrated with the MyIMMs immigration system, ensuring that the entry data of foreign tourists are recorded.
“In the event of any unexpected incidents or developments, the visa exemption for Chinese and Indian nationals will be reviewed for improvement, as part of preparations for the Visit Malaysia 2025 and 2026.
“In this regard, the Home Ministry is constantly monitoring and assessing security risks to ensure the safeguarding of the country.
Previously, on November 26, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had announced a 30-day visa-free entry for tourists from China and India beginning December 1, 2023, in a move to strengthen cultural and trade ties.
He said the initiative, which is part of Malaysia’s broader strategy to boost tourism and foster closer relationships with the two countries, is also in conjunction with the 50-year strategic partnership anniversary between Malaysia and China this year.
Anwar had also said that the visa exemption programme is subject to security screenings.
