KUALA LUMPUR: The visa exemption for Indian nationals has increased visitors from India by 223%, says Immigration Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban.
Welcoming the government's decision to extend the initiative until Dec 31, 2026, he said a total of 916,821 Indian visitors have entered the country between Dec 1, 2023, and Dec 1 this year.
"This initiative has increased the number of Indian visitors by 223% compared to 283,885 visitors last year.
"Such an increase has spurred the local business industry. The arrivals of tourists will not only produce income but it will create job opportunities for Malaysians," he said in a statement on Saturday (Dec 21).
To support the initiative, the department will step up monitoring and enforcement efforts similar to the start of the initiative last year, he added.
"Among the measures that have been taken are forming a special squad to monitor the exit movements of visitors from China and India.
"Inspecting locations with many foreigners, enforcing strict procedures on entry refusal and ensuring the adherence to filling up the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)," he said.
Zakaria said security checks will still be performed on arrival, whereby visitors must show the ticket home and proof of accommodation such as valid hotel bookings.
"We will not compromise on existing security aspects and we are committed to improving the smooth movements in and out of the country," he added.
In a statement on Friday (Dec 20), Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman said the visa exemption was in line with Malaysia's 2025 Asean chairmanship and preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
He added that the government had extended a similar initiative to Chinese nationals until the same date.
Awang Alik said the government's visa liberalisation plan, which has been in place since Dec 1, 2023, aims to boost the country's economic and tourism sectors while maintaining national security.
"As part of this plan, a 30-day visa exemption is granted to nationals of the People's Republic of China and India.
"This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance Malaysia's appeal as a travel destination while ensuring the safety and security of the nation," he said.
