TOURISM, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing has advised Malaysians not to overreact to tourists from China following a surge in Covid-19 cases in that country.

He said the government is always aware of the Covid-19 situation in the country and for now, there is no need to impose restrictions, improve standard operating procedures (SOP) or impose restrictions on these tourists.

“I’m asking the people not to overreact. I think it is unfair to impose special controls on Chinese tourists,” he said.

“(Based on information) 10.9 million Covid-19 cases have been reported in China, and if we look at the United States, it has reached 99 million (cases).

“So if we want to take action (on tourists), it should be against (tourists arriving from) the US.

“The (US) death toll has also reached 1.08 million, but in China, it is only at 36,000. However, the government is monitoring (the situation).”

Tiong was speaking to reporters after attending a Chinese New Year lighting-up ceremony in Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur today.

He also urged Malaysians to continue to prioritise their health and maintain the SOP to curb the spread of Covid-19. – Bernama, January 12, 2023.