KUALA LUMPUR – Only the Home Ministry can decide to expand the visa exemption for other countries after China and India, as well as deal with security matters relating to international tourists.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (Bintulu-GPS) told the Dewan Rakyat that his ministry has no say over whether Malaysia is able to offer visa exemptions for other countries such as those in the European Union (EU), the United States (US), or Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) member states.
He was asked about this by Lim Guan Eng (Bagan-PH) today during the minister’s question time.
Tiong added that his ministry is working on more tourism packages for travellers from China and India following the expansion of the visa-free exemption.
This, he said, will not only boost the tourism industry, but also enhance the country’s economic development.
Recently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced visa-free entries for citizens of China and India for stays of up to 30 days starting from December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024.
Later, Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (Langkawi-PN) alleged that 1.2 million tourists have not returned to China and asked if the matter was being dealt with.
He also questioned the tourism ministry on whether it is prepared to address the health condition of the tourists from China, following the current outbreak of respiratory illnesses there.
In response, Tiong said outbreak issues are under the Health Ministry’s purview while lawmakers should refrain from playing the race and religion card in every issue.
He added that the focus should be on Malaysia’s economic development and encouraging confidence among international tourists.
Suhaimi then retorted that he guaranteed the Muslims in the opposition bloc would welcome tourists from China and India. – November 30, 2023