KUALA LUMPUR: MCA vice-president Datuk Tan Teik Cheng urges the government to reciprocate China's goodwill on visa-free entry extension until the end of 2025.

Tan said this can expand the goodwill shared between both nations and add to the celebratory mood of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China.

He highlighted the significance of the visa waiver announcement made by the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China HE Ouyang Yujing, stating that it uplifts and deepens the friendly bilateral ties between Malaysia and China.

"If the Malaysian government reciprocates China's latest announcement and extends the visa-free travel for tourists from China, it will further elevate the exchange and interactions between Malaysia and China.

"Areas such as trade, tourism, culture, academia and more, will bring substantial benefits to the governments, businesses, and peoples of both countries," he said.

Moreover, Tan pointed out the tangible benefits seen since Malaysia and China implemented visa-free tourism last December, particularly during the Chinese New Year.

Malaysia has emerged as one of the top destinations for Chinese tourists, hence experiencing a substantial increase of 53.9 per cent in visitor numbers compared to the previous year.

"During the festive season alone, Malaysia welcomed thousands of Chinese tour groups and over 100,000 Chinese tourists, leading to an estimated economic gain between RM10 billion and RM15 billion for the country and a thriving local tourism industry," he said.

Today, Chinese media reported that Malaysia is among 12 countries that were granted the visa-free travel exemption extension until the end of 2025 by the Chinese government.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/1047950/mca-urges-government-reciprocate-chinas-goodwill-visa-free-entry