IPOH: Perak MCA Youth has introduced a guideline to assist Vietnamese individuals married to Malaysians in applying for a spouse visa.
Perak MCA Youth chief Daniel Wa stated that the guideline was developed following numerous complaints from locals and their Vietnamese spouses about the difficulties faced in obtaining the visa.
"The Malaysia-Vietnam Friendship Association (MVFA) has also encountered such issues, and it's challenging to provide individual consultations.
"Therefore, we decided to publish this guideline, available in both Vietnamese and Bahasa Malaysia, to reach more people," he said during a press conference at Wisma MCA Perak on Friday (May 23).
Wa highlighted that Vietnamese individuals often face issues such as exorbitant fees for the visa application process.
"Some have resorted to using middlemen or websites, paying at least RM8,000, and still not obtaining the correct visa," he said, adding that some have even resorted to illegal means to acquire the visa.
"With the guideline, we simplify the process for them," he added.
Wa mentioned that about 1,000 copies of the guideline have been printed and are available at Wisma MCA Perak, Kampar MCA office, and Shake & Bake Cafe. Each copy is priced at RM20.
MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, who was also present, praised the effort by Wa and MVFA Perak chairman Kelly Truong in creating the guideline.
He noted that the book also includes information on the lifestyles, cultures, and religions of Malaysia's three major races.
"It explains how to respect various religious taboos," he said.
"Wa is also considering creating similar guidelines for other nationalities if there is a need," he added.
Dr Mah, who is also Perak MCA chairman, pointed out that there is a significant population of Vietnamese women married to Malaysian men, particularly in the Kinta Valley.
"Adjusting to a new place can be stressful, especially when dealing with socio-economic and family issues. Truong herself faced similar challenges when she first married here," he said, noting that Truong teaches Bahasa Malaysia to other Vietnamese individuals.
"We have also seen cases where some cannot cope and leave the country, leading to social issues," he added.
