Malaysia will grant visa-free entry to Chinese and Indian citizens for 30 days from December 1. Prime Minister of the country Anwar Ibrahim said that this decision has been taken to boost tourism and the country’s economy.
The announcement was made on the last day of the Parti Kedilan Rakyat (PKR) Congress to mark the one year anniversary of the unity government on November 26, The Straits Times reported.
He said, ‘Next year we will celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations with China, from December 1 we will provide 30-day visa-free facility to Chinese citizens.’
He further said, ‘Citizens of India will also enjoy the same benefits.’
Earlier, on November 24, China announced that it would allow visa-free entry for citizens of Malaysia and five European countries for 15 days. Then Malaysia took this decision.
Most tourists come to Malaysia from Singapore and Indonesia. However, the number of Chinese tourists outside of ASEAN is high.
Last September, Malaysia’s Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Singh said Malaysia was ready to implement visa exemptions for Chinese tourists. This initiative will be taken to attract Chinese citizens to Malaysia. Tourists from India will also get the same facility.