Keep it civil over travellers from China, says Tiong

PUTRAJAYA: The public has been urged to refrain from making negative comments about inbound travellers from China, especially on social media.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (pic) said in a Facebook post on Monday (Jan 2) that Malaysia has enjoyed long-standing close relations with China and the bond between the two countries must not be broken.

He took the opportunity to thank China's people and leaders for making Malaysia one of the top 10 overseas destinations for Chinese travellers.

“With the reopening of China's borders, it is believed that this will inject vitality into the economic development of various economic (sectors).

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“There have been some negative reports on social media platforms on China’s decision to reopen its borders but I would like to appeal to everyone to be cautious with their words.

“Please do not make unfriendly comments before you know the full picture and don’t hurt the friendship between Malaysia and China or create an impression that we don’t welcome (its citizens).

“Regardless of any problems or doubts, people from both sides should follow the correct channels, communicate, discuss good strategies, find a win-win solution, and face them together,” he said.

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The Health Ministry recently announced a number of measures on Covid-19 control including conducting polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing on sewage samples from aircraft arriving from China and increasing surveillance at international entry points for travellers from that country.

Several countries such as Japan, India, the United States, Italy and Taiwan are among those which have imposed mandatory Covid-19 testing for travellers arriving from China.

The surging cases and the lack of reliable official data on the spread of Covid-19 in China has become a concern ahead of anticipated tourist and business travel arrivals from that country.