Consider granting multiple entry visas to foreign visitors, says Nancy

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri speaking to reporters after opening the Asean Sub-Committee on Culture and Asean Plus Three Cultural Cooperation Network meetings in Kuching. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE / The Star

KUCHING: Malaysia should consider granting multiple entry visas to foreign visitors to boost tourism, says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said tourists entering the country were currently given single entry visas, which could be inconvenient if they wanted to travel around the region.

"We are requesting the Home Ministry to allow them in on multiple entry visas.

"This is because some tourists come to Kuala Lumpur and after that they go to Singapore for example. If they want to come back to Malaysia they will have to apply again," she told reporters after opening the Asean Sub-Committee on Culture and Asean Plus Three Cultural Cooperation Network meetings here on Thursday (July 28).

Nancy said her ministry had written to the Home Ministry on this matter.

"It is being discussed and we hope the Home Ministry can facilitate it because we need tourists to come in," she said.

Nancy said Malaysia's top tourist arrivals came from Singapore, followed by Thailand and the Philippines, while visitors from India were picking up as well.

She said tourist arrivals had already exceeded the ministry's target of 4.5 million, with more expected to come in once Brunei opens its land borders on Aug 1.

"By September, we will review the figures again. We look forward to visitors from Brunei coming in by land starting next month," she said, adding that more tourist arrivals would boost the local economy.