Home minister: No plans to expand visa-on-arrival scheme for travellers from other countries
KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the government has currently no plans to expand the visa-on-arrival programme for travellers from other countries.
He said the visa-on-arrival is only provided to travellers from China and India entering Malaysia at the moment.
“The government currently does not intend to grant visa exemptions for tourist entry to India and China.
“India and China also impose visa requirements on Malaysians who wish to travel to these countries,” he said in a written Dewan Rakyat reply yesterday.
On the same note, he said these tourists can use the automated clearance system facility offered by the Immigration Department.
“Starting September 16, India and China tourists from long-term pass holders are allowed to use the e-visa facility at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport,” he said.
He was responding to a query from Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng regarding the government’s plans to exempt visas for tourists from China and India and the use of an automated clearance system facility for international tourists to Malaysia.
In February, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing proposed a visa-on-arrival scheme for tourists from all countries to ensure Malaysia remains competitive in the global tourism industry.
