KUCHING: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, has defended the 90-day visa-free entry policy for Chinese nationals.
According to him, effective enforcement is key to preventing foreign nationals from engaging in unauthorised commercial activities in Malaysia.
Tiong was responding to public concerns about the policy extended to Chinese nationals, especially fears that a small minority might misuse the privilege to conduct business activities illegally.
“I wish to emphasise that the issue of ‘foreigners earning income illegally’ is a challenge shared by countries around the world.
“We must also acknowledge the possibility that our own citizens may be involved in similar activities abroad.
“Therefore, the focus of this discussion should be on how we can strengthen monitoring and enforcement to effectively curb the involvement of foreign nationals in unauthorised commercial activities in Malaysia, not on discrediting the 90-day visa-free policy, or ignoring the economic benefits and growth potential it brings to local businesses,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page.
Acknowledging that a small number of foreign individuals might exploit this convenience to carry out business activities in the country, he stressed that the appropriate response is for enforcement agencies to intensify monitoring and take decisive action against lawbreakers to curb such undesirable practices.
“The public must also aid the authorities in reporting wrongdoings,” he stressed.
Tiong said the 90-day visa exemption is a sound policy that deserves support, and the people must understand that the exemption has infused fresh momentum into the local economy.
“Sectors such as food and beverage, logistics, hospitality and service industries have all experienced a boost. With greater travel convenience for tourists, local businesses get more opportunities and a wider customer base.
“Businesses are seeing real benefits, gradually emerging from the shadows of the pandemic and catching glimpses of recovery.
“As such, I urge certain associations and NGOs not to twist every government policy, especially those introduced with good intentions, into something negative.
“It must be understood that policymaking is a complex process, involving thorough research, inter-agency coordination, and multiple stages of adjustment before any final decision is made.
“Blanket criticisms that undermine the entire initiative are nothing short of nit-picking, and only serve to devalue the tireless efforts put in by many.
“If we cannot even remain united and collaborative among ourselves, how can we hope to achieve our shared goals or withstand the severe economic challenges posed by volatile global conditions?
“The blame should not fall on the policy itself. On the contrary, it is those who exploit loopholes who should be held accountable. I urge all parties to reflect and fully grasp this distinction,” he said.
Recently, a TikTok content creator published a misleading and selectively edited video suggesting that the arrival of Chinese nationals in Malaysia en masse might prompt the Malaysian government to revoke the visa-free entry currently granted to Chinese citizens.
This irresponsible content has unnecessarily stirred public sentiment and created confusion.
In response, Tiong had contacted the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia, and requested their assistance in thoroughly investigating the matter to set the record straight.
