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Tourists pass by Malaysia’s Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya, Malaysia, January 28, 2020. Photo by Reuters
Malaysian tourism minister Tiong King Sing has called on his government to issue visa-on-arrival to visitors from all countries to boost tourism competitiveness.
Malaysia is capable of coping with any surge in arrivals and maintaining order at entry points, The Star newspaper quoted him as saying.
Immigration policies have to be relaxed if Malaysia wants to compete with countries like Thailand and Indonesia in attracting tourists, he said.
The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) backed him, saying strict visa policies could hinder economic and tourism growth.
Only Chinese and Indian nationals can now get visas on arrival besides visitors entering Malaysia from Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, or Brunei.
The visa costs 200 ringgits (US$46) and allows a maximum stay of seven days.
Indonesia allows travelers from 86 countries to apply for visas on arrival, and Thailand from 19.
Malaysia targets 15.6 million tourist arrivals this year compared to three million last year.
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