[Source/Observation Network by Wang Yong, Edited by Zhao Qiankun]

According to a report by Malaysia's Malay Mail on April 22, Malaysia's Home Minister Saifuddin announced that the mutual visa exemption between Malaysia and China will be extended for another five years. This measure means that after the expiration of the previous round of visa exemption policy, Chinese tourists can still stay in Malaysia visa-free for up to 90 days, and China will also grant Malaysia equal treatment.

Saifuddin said that the duration of the mutual visa exemption between Malaysia and China will now be extended for another five years, and it can be extended for another five years after the five-year period expires. "This plan will have a direct positive impact on Malaysia's economic development."

The website The Edge Malaysia reported that "it can be foreseen that both sides will usher in another golden 50 years," and the joint visa exemption agreement will deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields between the two countries, further promoting rapid social and economic development in Malaysia and China.

Malaysian Sabah Indigenous Culture Malaysian National Tourism Organization Official Website

The report mentioned that the visa exemption arrangement has already shown positive results, with the number of Chinese tourists rising. According to data from Malaysia's Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, as of this April, nearly one million Chinese tourists have entered Malaysia, while last year there were nearly four million Chinese tourists visiting Malaysia. The average consumption of Chinese tourists during their stay in Malaysia is 7,000 ringgit (approximately RMB 12,000).

Saifuddin pointed out that the fact proves that this policy is effective in driving economic growth through tourism, with the number of Chinese tourists significantly increasing. "Tourism is a pillar industry of Malaysia's economic growth because, compared to investment, it has an immediate impact. The increase in the number of Chinese tourists proves that the visa-free measures have a significant impact on improving economic benefits and produce immediate results."

Saifuddin said, "China is Malaysia's largest source of international tourists, followed by Singapore, Thailand, etc."

Malaysia's Star reported that the mutual visa exemption with China paves the way for strengthening exchanges and cooperation in areas such as education, tourism, youth, and sports activities. On April 17, the Joint Statement Between the People's Republic of China and Malaysia on Building a High-Level Strategic Comprehensive Partnership Between China and Malaysia pointed out that continuous efforts should be made to enhance exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in education, culture, tourism, sports, and other fields, and to enhance mutual understanding and friendly feelings between the people of the two countries, especially the younger generation.

The New Straits Times of Malaysia reported that last week, Malaysia and China signed multiple memorandums of understanding, agreements, and cooperative agreements, including the mutual visa exemption. The continuous growth trend in the number of Chinese tourists visiting Malaysia this year reflects the success of the visa exemption policy.

The report mentioned that the visa exemption began in 2023, when both parties implemented a trial visa exemption (Malaysian citizens can enter China visa-free before December 31, 2025, and Chinese citizens can enter Malaysia visa-free before December 31, 2026). The trial period showed that this policy had a significant positive effect on boosting tourism and economic activities in Malaysia, prompting the government to seek a long-term mutual visa agreement with China. Now, both sides continue to extend the validity of the mutual visa exemption for another five years, meaning that Malaysian citizens and Chinese citizens can travel, visit, or conduct business activities in each other's country without visa constraints for the next five years.

Previously, the Malaysia Tourism Board announced that China, as one of Malaysia's most important source markets, is expected to attract five million Chinese tourists to visit Malaysia in 2025 and seven million Chinese tourists to visit in 2026. (Related reading: Planning to attract seven million Chinese tourists! Malaysia wants to "pull out all the stops"?)

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Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7496424717399556643/

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