BEIJING – China has agreed to extend visa exemption for Malaysian tourists from 15 to 30 days, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid, who is also rural and regional development minister, made the announcement today during the 50th anniversary celebration of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations here today.
“During my meeting with Premier Li Qiang yesterday, one of the subjects raised was to extend our Malaysian inbound tourists to China (visa exemption) from 15 to 30 days, for which Malaysia has opened the floodgate by giving Chinese tourists a 30-day visa-free stay.
“I would like to announce that both sides have agreed, and implementation will take place after the agreement is signed,” he said.
Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang was also present at the ceremony, which was held in the Diaoyutai state guesthouse.
Yesterday, Malaysia’s Ambassador to China, Datuk Norman Muhamad, stated that Zahid had proposed the matter during his courtesy visit to Chinese Premier Li Qiang and received a positive response from China.
China has extended the visa-free policy for short-term visits to the republic for Malaysia and 11 other nations until the end of 2025. The extension aims to enhance exchanges between Chinese and foreign nationals.
Last November, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a 30-day visa exemption for tourists from China and India starting December 1 of the same year.
Meanwhile, commenting on the Malaysia-China 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, Zahid believes that both countries could work together to realise the respective concepts of Malaysia Madani and the Community Shared Future (CSF) for the mutual benefit of their people.
“Malaysia Madani, which was introduced in January 2023, shares the same values and attributes as the CSF proposed by China’s President Xi Jinping in 2013, advocating innovation, care, compassion, inclusiveness and mutual respect,” he added.
Zahid also highlighted that Malaysia-China collaboration now extends beyond politics and economics to include education, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, strengthening the bonds between both societies.
“However, there remains ample opportunity for both sides to consolidate further and expand the excellent ties,” he added.
The deputy prime minister is on his first official visit to the republic from May 22 to tomorrow at the invitation of Xuexiang.
Meanwhile, Zahid, in an interview with Bernama Radio, said Malaysia plans to increase the supply of professional labour to meet the needs of Chinese companies that wish to invest in the country.
For that purpose, he said the field of technical and vocational education and training for local people will be increased in line with the speed and sophistication of Chinese technological products, such as those in the automotive and telecommunications industries.
“I see many opportunities, such as in the field of infrastructure and some other areas, that we should explore, and since China is very interested in investing in Malaysia, it will not only open up job opportunities but also the sharing of new knowledge and technology with the country,” he said.
Apart from that, Zahid said the aspect of cooperation with China will also be enhanced through the production of halal products, including food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, with Halal Development Corporation Bhd, together with the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, exploring new markets in the country. – May 31, 2024