Not true Chinese tourists bypass checks, says immigration chief

 

More tourists from China have come to Malaysia because of a visa exemption policy, says the director-general of immigration. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

The immigration department has dismissed claims on social media that tourists from China were entering the country without undergoing stringent checks.

Immigration director-general Zakaria Shaaban said such claims were not only false but could damage the department’s credibility.

He said the Chinese nationals as well as foreigners from 62 other countries were allowed to use the autogate at KLIA Terminal 1 and 2 to reduce the waiting time.

He said the autogate initiative would in no way compromise national security, as the data obtained from the visitors’ passports and details of their entry would be cross-checked against their biometrics.

“Visitors who enter via the autogate must also fulfil requirements, including not being blacklisted and having completed the Malaysia digital arrival card.”

On concerns over the number of Chinese tourists entering the country, Zakaria said the increase in arrivals from the republic was due to the government’s granting of visa exemption for Chinese tourists until the end of 2026.

He said following the initiative, the number of tourists from China increased to 3.9 million in 2024 compared to the 1.6 million tourists recorded the year before.  - FMT