JOHOR BARU: There is a need for a China consulate office to be set up in Johor Baru, says China’s Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing (pic), who cited the state’s economic and population as factors for consideration.
However, establishing such a mission is no small feat and requires extensive research and discussions between both the Malaysian and Chinese governments, he said.
"The consulate office has been a hot topic raised by various non-governmental organisations and Chinese community leaders throughout my trip to Johor and even the state government has expressed similar hopes.
"It takes a long time to set up such an office in a foreign country as it depends on various factors such as economy and politics.
"But there seems to be a need for one in Johor Baru, considering our economic ties and the significant number of Chinese population here," he said during an engagement session with Chinese leaders at Southern University College on Thursday (Aug 11).
He also said the Chinese government was aware of Johoreans’ hopes for a consulate office to be set up here.
Ouyang added that he would continue pursuing the matter through various channels, though it falls under the purview of the foreign ministries of both countries.
In April 2018, Johor's Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar proposed a China mission to be set up in Johor to strengthen the relationship between the state and the republic.
Sultan Ibrahim also said the consulate office could also provide value-added services to China nationals already working or doing business here.
It was later reported on Oct 11 last year that the Johor government was committed towards making the Johor Sultan's suggestion for China to set up a consulate office here a reality.
Then state unity, trade and consumer affairs committee chairman Dr Chong Fat Full also met with then foreign minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah in Putrajaya over the matter on Oct 4 last year.
