20 January 2015
The Visa Fee-Free (VFF) move for tourists, among them from China, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today, could be implemented before the Chinese New Year celebration, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the date of implementation of the move would be decided at the Cabinet meeting tomorrow.
"No visa fee will be imposed on some segments of the tourist market due to the drop in tourist arrivals, especially from China.
"However, it should be remembered that a visa is still required in the interest of national security. While we want more tourists to visit Malaysia, we
cannot compromise on security," he said.
Ahmad Zahid was speaking to reporters after the prime minister's special address on current developments and the government's financial position today.
In his special address, Najib said the VFF for tourists, among them from China, was a strategy to ensure balanced economic growth, inclusiveness and sustainability.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the visa-free move for tourists could be implemented before Chinese New Year. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, January 20, 2015.
Earlier, Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz asked that the VFF be effective before the Chinese New Year celebration to draw more tourists from China to Malaysia.
Six Asean countries, namely Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines have already offered fee-free visas to Chinese tourists. – Bernama, January 20, 2015.
Original Source: www.themalaysianinsider.com
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