By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, July 28: Granting multiple entry visas for foreign tourists will boost the country’s tourism industry, says Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) Dato Sri Nancy Shukri.
According to Nancy, tourists arriving in Malaysia are currently given single entry visas which makes it inconvenient for them to return to the country after traveling to other neighbouring countries.
“So we are requesting the Home Affairs Ministry (KDN) to allow for a multiple entry visa, because for example, the tourists come in through Kuala Lumpur and after that they go to Singapore. If they want to return to Malaysia, they have to apply for it (visa) again,” she told reporters after officiating at the 23rd meeting of Asean Sub-Committee on Culture (SSC) and 11th meeting of Asean Plus 3 Cultural Cooperation (APTCCN) at a local hotel, today.
Nancy revealed her ministry has already written to KDN about the matter.
“We need more tourists to come in,” she added.
At the same time, Nancy said Motac has exceeded the 4.5 million-target number of tourists arriving in the country.
She pointed out that the figures will be reviewed again in September after Brunei reopens its border in August.
“We are looking forward to Brunei people coming in, and we expect the tourist numbers to increase,” she said. — DayakDaily
