SIBU: The visa-free policy for Chinese tourists has been proven effective, as evidenced by the increase in tourists to Malaysia.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the number of Chinese tourists has increased by about 35 per cent.
“Even though yesterday we only had one flight from Shenyang, we managed to bring in 276 tourists, which is 100 per cent of its capacity. Therefore, this initiative has proven to be convenient for both Malaysia and China,” he said.
He said this to reporters at the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) open house attended by more than 10,000 people from all walks of life here today.
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MoTAC), in collaboration with tourism industry players, including the Malaysia Inbound Chinese Association (MICA), aims to attract seven million inbound (Chinese) tourists to Malaysia this year, leveraging on the visa-free policy that was launched in December 2023.
Asked to comment on a Malaysian tourist was deported home from South Korea without a valid reason, the Bintulu MP said the issue falls under the Home Ministry (KDM).
“I believe this question should be addressed by KDM. I do not have any details on that,” he said.
On Saturday, it was reported that a 24-year-old Malaysian tourist was denied entry into South Korea despite showing all the documents, including the Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA), return flight ticket, itinerary, and cash, to the Korean authorities at the airport.
Meanwhile, on the open house, Tiong, who is also the Dudong assemblyman, said the presence of people from different backgrounds at the programme shows that the people are living in harmony and unity.
He advised everyone, regardless of race and background, to continue preserving unity among the community.
Also at the open house were Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) chairman cum Bawang Assan Assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker cum Lanang MP Alice Lau and Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Dudong branch chairman Wong Ching Yong.
