[UPDATED] More foreign travellers can stay 30 days visa free: Anwar

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced a 30-day visa exemption policy for tourists from China, India, Turkey and several Gulf countries.

The prime minister said travellers from those countries would however be subject to security screening.

Those with criminal records or suspected to be dangerous or violent would not be allowed to enter.

He said the 30-day privilege is on top of existing facilities and allowances for those from Gulf countries and western Asia.

For example, it covers visitors from Turkey and Jordan, who already enjoy visa exemption.

The other countries included in the policy are Iran, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.

“From December 1, we will give those from Arab countries, Turkey and Jordan additional facilities to (enter) the country,” he said.

“Citizens of China and India (will also get) a 30-day visa exemption,” he said.

Noting that 2024 marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, he said the visa-free policy will celebrate the spirit of the anniversary.

He said this while delivering the closing speech at the PKR National Congress at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre today.

Thailand, Asean and a squirrel

Anwar also said he would meet with Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin tomorrow in Sadao, southern Thailand, to improve bilateral ties.

He said discussions with the Thai leader would focus on development around both countries’ shared border. Both sides want to ensure economic growth, peace and security in northern Peninsular Malaysia and the four provinces in southern Thailand.

“Tomorrow, I will go to the border between Sadao and Bukit Kayu Hitam with the prime minister of Thailand. Our approach is to ensure better and efficient two-way travel to encourage tourism among people of the two countries,” he said.

Anwar also said Malaysia has good relations with Asean countries, Japan, Korea, China and India.

“China welcomes (ties with Malaysia) by providing facilities for Malaysians to visit China without a visa for 15 days.

“So far, the most tourists to Malaysia are from Singapore and Indonesia in Asean. But outside Asean, the highest number is from China, and the tourism potential from China is huge.”

Meanwhile, an amusing incident occurred when Anwar’s speech was interrupted by a squirrel that had strayed into the hall.

The animal running about caused some delegates and observers to start screaming. The hall erupted into chaos as some participants were confused and surprised at the shouting.

Looking tickled by the situation, Anwar asked all delegates and observers to remain calm.

“Just (because of) a squirrel, there is chaos in this hall,” he said. – The Vibes, November 26, 2023.