Immigration counters increased in KLIA to accommodate more tourists in December

SEPANG: Implementation of the visa liberalisation plan from Dec 1 has prompted the Immigration department to add 14 counters in KL International Airport to accommodate the increasing number of visitors.

Immigration director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said there were 78 counters in KLIA 1 and 2.

"The additional 14 counters ensure that the entry of foreign tourists is organised and smooth," he added.

He also reminded visa-exempt tourists that specific procedures could not be overlooked despite not requiring a visa application.

These include presenting return flight tickets and hotel confirmation to immigration authorities.

Additionally, he mentioned that tourists visiting Malaysia were no longer required to declare cash upon arrival.

"Tourists visiting Malaysia are now exempt from declaring cash upon arrival. Given the global shift towards cashless transactions, credit cards are a convenient alternative," he added.

Furthermore, he mentioned that the requirements for presenting return tickets and proof of accommodation had been relaxed.

"We encourage tourists who have a plan for their visit, whether it's exploring islands, visiting Melaka, or opting for hotel stays, to experience the best of Malaysia," he said during a press conference after visiting the entry counters for tourists at KLIA.

The implementation of the visa liberalization plan would be effective from Dec 1 until Dec 31, 2024.

Ruslin also said that, to ensure robust security and regulatory oversight for those enjoying the 30-day visa-free facility, a 25-member special team by the Immigration Department would monitor the entry and exit of Chinese and Indian tourists.

"Monitoring will be done from the final date, the 30th day, according to their stay in the country. From then, monitoring will be reported periodically as a control and enforcement mechanism," he said.

Ruslin emphasised that the monitoring procedures were conducted monthly, with the latest update provided every 14 days.

"My initial group of members has been established with 25 officers. This is the starting point, as we plan to expand our membership gradually. Apart from these initial officers, we also have representatives from each state who hold key positions.

"The headquarters consists of 25 individuals, including the state director across Malaysia," he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an incentive under the visa liberalization plan, namely the 30-day visa exemption for Chinese and Indian nationals to Malaysia from Dec 1, 2023.

From Jan 1 to Nov 15, 2023, a total of 26,004,906 foreign nationals entered, with the highest numbers from Singapore (12,645,364), Indonesia (3,166,295), Thailand (2,073,162), China (1,407,471), Brunei (904,841), and India (78,532).