Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia’s tourism industry is set to receive a significant boost following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent announcement of a 30-day visa exemption for travelers from China and India. This move is expected to increase the influx of tourists to Malaysia and stimulate various sectors within the tourism industry.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, President of the Malaysian Association of Tour Agency (MATA), the visa exemption will make Malaysia a preferred destination for tourists not only from China and India but also from Jordan and Turkiye. Dr. Mohd Khalid expressed his support for the Prime Minister’s decision, stating in a statement that this policy change, effective from December 1, will simplify the arrival process for tourists from these countries.

He emphasized the large population base of these countries and how visa-free travel can serve as a major incentive for tourists to choose Malaysia as their holiday destination. This policy is expected to result in increased tourist arrivals, benefiting various sectors of the economy.

The visa exemption is anticipated to have a positive impact on the hotel, food and beverage, and transport sectors, among others, as outlined by Dr. Mohd Khalid. MATA views this development as an opportunity to leverage the vast potential and opportunities it presents for the tourism industry.

The Prime Minister had announced the visa-free travel for travelers from China and India starting December 1, as part of the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations with China and extending the same courtesy to India. He also mentioned that the visa-free facility was already available to Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, as well as West Asian countries Turkiye and Jordan.

The implementation of the visa exemption will include security screening measures for all visitors entering Malaysia, ensuring a balance between increased tourism and national security.