Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) President Datuk Hj Hamzah Rahmat is jubilant with Tourism and Culture Minister Dato’ Seri Nazri Aziz’s announcement on the full implementation of electronic visa or eVisa in Beijing yesterday.
Hamzah said “Since March 2014, MATTA has been calling for visa exemption for China tourists as a temporary measure and introduction of eVisa as the permanent solution. This was because visa exemption could be granted overnight, whereas eVisa would require time and funding.”
“In January this year, Prime Minister Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak announced that tourists from China will be allowed to enter Malaysia without visas for up to 15 days stay from March 1 to December 31, if terms and condition are met.”“Earlier, the partial implementation of the eVisa which allowed application forms to be completed online but required the submission of passport was met with scepticism by both China and local tour operators.”
“All these events are now water under the bridge. We are moving forward under an eVisa regime which ensures growth and stability for our tourism industry. “EVisa does not compromise on security. In fact, it actually enhances it and MATTA would welcome if it is introduced for other countries, especially India.”
“MATTA is calling on all travel and tour operators in China and Malaysia to embrace “eVisa” instead of “ENTRI” to apply for entry into Malaysia. “ENTRI” is only cheaper by USD5 but not fully secured. After all, the role of travel and tour operators is to secure services and arrangements in advance for its customers, and not leave them to chance”, advised Hamzah.
“MATTA is also calling on the eVisa to be implemented for India visitors as soon as possible.Together, China and India will be our biggest source of tourists that will eventually overtake ASEAN countries combined. Also, the facility should be available wherever the tourists may be, and not limited from their home country only.”
“Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi recently said that 8 million tourists from China are expected to contribute RM22.1 billion in income to Malaysia in the next five years. With the latest eVisa system up and running, it will not be a problem”, says Hamzah.
