SIBU: The inaugural Malaysia Airlines Shenyang-Kuala Lumpur flight on Sunday (Feb 11) recorded a full-capacity of 276 passengers, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said the good response showed that the visa liberalisation programme was pivotal in attracting tourists from China to the country.
"This (full-capacity flight) is proof that if we have the visa-free (programme), it gives a lot of convenience to both sides," he told reporters during his Chinese New Year open house at Pulau Li Hua Commercial Centre here on Monday (Feb 12).
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He added that the number of Chinese tourists had surged in December with a 35% increase over November.
On visitors of all races coming to his open house, the Dudong assemblyman said it showed the typical strong unity and harmony in Sarawak.
More than 10,000 people attended Tiong's open house.
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Meanwhile the open house of Deputy Dewan Rakyat speaker Alice Lau on the same day also attracted a big crowd here.
"I am not sure how many people are here but the 1,500 packets of food are almost finished (at 10am)," Lau, the Lanang MP, told reporters.
"People from all races came together to celebrate this occasion."
