Written by Lawrence Low
KUALA LUMPUR (Politics Now!) - The transformative impact of the upcoming reciprocal visa exemption policy between China and Malaysia, slated to commence this December is groundbreaking. This initiative grants Chinese citizens 30 days of visa-free entry to Malaysia and Malaysians 15 days of visa-free entry to China. Poised to unlock a mutually beneficial gateway for enhanced business and tourism collaboration between the two nations, the policy serves as a catalyst for further economic development.
While there is widespread enthusiasm brought about by the visa exemption measures, a thorough consideration of the potential impacts on Malaysia is needed.
Across various industries, are we adequately prepared, particularly in trade and tourism, for a substantial influx of Chinese visitors?
To effectively manage a potential surge in Chinese tourists, there needs to be meticulous coordination across various sectors: Ensure seamless integration from hotels, transportation, and tour guides to other tourism-related industries and service standards. This comprehensive approach is crucial to securing positive reviews and showcasing the charm of Malaysia.
There is an immediate need for the tourism sector to capitalise on this opportunity by improving facilities for the increasing influx of Chinese tourists. This involves offering Chinese language guides, signage, and training more staff for effective communication. Customs and immigration services must be bolstered to provide timely, accurate, and friendly assistance to Chinese visitors. Furthermore, for enhanced Sino-Malaysian cultural exchange, additional experiences like cultural exhibitions, art events, and language learning opportunities should be provided.
We urge the government to streamline trade regulations, making it easier for Chinese enterprises. For SMEs, increased support for collaborations with Chinese companies, covering training, financing, and market access, is essential. The need for a swift development of a digital trade platform to facilitate online transactions and adapt to evolving business environments must be emphasised.
Calling for enhanced transportation services, we would like to suggest an increase in direct flights and improved transportation hubs for the convenience of Chinese tourists exploring Malaysia. Concurrently, pertinent authorities should enhance security measures for tourists, encompassing the augmentation of security personnel at popular tourist destinations, heighten awareness campaigns, and assure tourist safety throughout their travels in Malaysia.
Highlighting the importance of digital innovation in tourism services, we recommend implementing an online visa application system for Chinese tourists, streamlining the process. Underscoring the necessity of optimising payment systems to align with Chinese payment habits, measures must be taken to ensure a seamless and secure digital experience for tourists.
We believe these measures will help Malaysia to leverage on the reciprocal visa exemption policy, fostering economic cooperation. Anticipating significant progress in politics, economy, culture, and education in the short and medium term, we look forward to the effective implementation of bilateral policies in trade and tourism, contributing to the economic prosperity of both Malaysia and China.
Written by Lawrence Low, the MCA Vice President and MCA Economic and SME Affairs Committee Chairman
Politics Now!
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