PUTRAJAYA – Citizens of China and India will be able to enjoy visa-free entries to Malaysia beginning December 1, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today.
Speaking at the PKR annual congress here, Anwar said that the move is aimed at improving the nation’s economy and facilitating better international relations.
The prime minister, who is also PKR president, said that to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Malaysia’s strategic partnership with China next year, visitors from China, as well as India will enjoy visa-free travel for 30 days.
“The visa exemption will be subject to security checks and initial screenings for all travellers to Malaysia.
“Those found to have criminal records or crime risks will not be granted visas,” Anwar said.
The prime minister’s announcement follows China’s move to allow a 15-day visa-free policy for Malaysian citizens travelling to China for business, tourism, visit and transit purposes, for one year only, from December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024.
Meanwhile, Anwar also said that narratives citizens here might have held against Singapore must be eradicated as the island state is a key economic partner.
“Our relationship with Singapore is improving, (so) old sentiments and presumptions must be put to an end,” Anwar said in his winding-up speech at the PKR annual congress, here, today.
“During my meetings with (Singapore prime minister) Lee Hsien Loong, I conveyed that the unity government is taking a positive approach on unresolved issues, such as those involving borders and airspace.”
The prime minister added that an economic zone in Johor is being undertaken by the economy ministers from both countries, which is set to benefit both sides.
Similarly, Anwar also said that he is due to meet with Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin tomorrow to discuss bilateral trade and tourism initiatives to benefit Northern Malaysia and Southern Thailand. – November 26, 2023
