Tourism Minister Wants Malaysia To Provide Visa-On-Arrival To All Countries
Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing suggested this especially for tourists from China and India, as well as to prevent Malaysia from losing its competitiveness within the region.
By Sadho Ram — 08 Feb 2023, 12:34 PM
Malaysia should consider providing visa-on-arrival to all countries to remain competitive in the global tourism industry, according to Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing
Speaking during his keynote address at the 2023 Asean Tourism Forum in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, yesterday, 7 February, Tiong stated that Malaysia needs to be sensitive to market trends and allow such re-opening initiatives as the local tourism industry is still recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Tourism Minister said that Malaysia should not be using security as a pretext to hinder tourist arrivals.
According to Tiong, he has confidence in Malaysian authorities, saying they are capable of coping with passenger surges and maintaining order at entry points across the country.
"It projects the wrong image for our country... by not preparing for and welcoming the return of a large influx of tourists to Malaysia," he said during the keynote address, as reported by Bernama.
Tiong suggested this especially for tourists from China and India, as well as to prevent Malaysia from losing its competitiveness within the region
"I urge the Ministry of Home Affairs to immediately look into expanding visa-on-arrival for all countries, especially China and India, to prevent us from losing our competitiveness within the region," he said.
According to Tiong, changes to current immigration policies and mechanisms should be done together by keeping in mind local tourism services to enable the tourism industry to better attract tourists.
