PUTRAJAYA should consider visas-on-arrival (VOAs) to remain competitive with other countries, which will also boost tourism, Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng said. 

He said by allowing VOAs for tourists, Malaysia could compete more effectively with neighbouring countries that already offer visa-free or VOA programmes. 

“The current visa requirements for tourists from countries such as China and India create an unnecessary barrier to entry, discouraging potential visitors from choosing Malaysia as their holiday destination,” he said in a statement.

“It is evident that our country loses a significant amount of revenue from foreign tourism since travellers prefer to visit countries that allow visa-free travel with lower costs.” 

Lim said it is absolutely unreasonable to cite security concerns as a justification to require tourists from China and India to obtain visas to visit Malaysia with already friendly diplomatic relations with the two nations.

In his keynote address at the 2023 Asean Tourism Forum in Yogyakarta, Indonesia in February, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing proposed that Malaysia consider VOAs for all to remain competitive in the global tourism industry. 

Lim said in addition to revising the visa requirements, Malaysia can also learn from other countries’ successful tourism promotion strategies. 

“For example, Taiwan’s smart card and voucher programme is a brilliant idea to incentivise tourists to visit the country,” he said. 

“This approach helps offset some of the costs associated with travel, making it more affordable and accessible to potential visitors.” 

He said the authorities could consider implementing a similar programme to woo foreign tourists.

“This could include providing discounts or vouchers for hotel stays, restaurant meals or tourist attractions,” he said. 

Lim said there should not be any hesitation to learn from others and emulate good practices that have the potential to benefit the country. – April 30, 2023.