PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim said travellers from the Middle East, China, and India would be able to enjoy visa-free travel to Malaysia starting December 1.

“Next year will be the 50th year of China and Malaysia’s diplomatic relations. 

“To celebrate this strategic partnership with China, starting December 1… additionally with some Arab countries including Turkey and Jordan, China and India… will be given visa-free travel (to Malaysia) for 30 days.

“These exemptions are subject to a layer of security checks as initial screening for all tourists or visitors to Malaysia,” the PKR president announced today.  

Besides Turkey and Jordan, other countries to be granted this privilege are Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Iraq, he said.

On November 24, the Chinese embassy in Malaysia announced a 15-day visa-free policy for Malaysians, which would take effect for a year from December 1 to November 30, 2024.  

Anwar also said he would meet Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin tomorrow. 

“I will be heading to the border of Sadao (Thailand) and Bukit Kayu Hitam with the Thai prime minister. 

“We have taken this approach to ensure the two-way travel is good, efficient, and will encourage more two-way travel (between Thailand and Malaysia),” he said.

“I will continue the discussion with him. These bilateral ties will directly benefit Malaysia and Thailand,” he said.  

Regarding Singapore, Anwar said Malaysia’s ties with its neighbour were stronger. 

He said political will was key to resolving any issue to ensure win-win solutions for both countries. 

He added that the special economic zone in Johor would encourage stronger cooperation with Singapore. – November 26, 2023.