KUALA LUMPUR: The QR code immigration clearance system will be extended to foreign visitors in phases, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said this would be introduced in phases for selected countries due to security and safety concerns.
"This is why there have been many 'tourists' who have been denied entry to Malaysia, either due to their criminal record or it was determined they had other agendas, leading to their expulsion from the country, he said.
However, he said any weaknesses in the system would be resolved with the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) taking charge entry points into the country.
He said this was among several major government efforts to ensure the success of Visit Malaysia 2026.
Anwar said that the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry would hold engagement sessions with tourism industry stakeholders to gather ideas on promoting the country.
"Among the promising considerations is to enhance our tourism industry's digital promotion presence overseas.
"This would allow us to better promote Malaysia without sending delegates to each country," he said in Parliament on Tuesday (Oct 14).
Anwar also said that six Islamic countries had nominated Malaysia to helm a global effort to enhance Islamic tourism, finance and economic instruments.
He added he had instructed the tourism ministry to prioritise this, especially enhancing the Islamic tourism experience in Malaysia.
Anwar also dispelled rumours that the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) would be dissolved, adding that there are plans to appoint a new director-general soon.
He was responding to a question from Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (PN–Masjid Tanah) on the government's level of preparedness to ensure the success of Visit Malaysia 2026.
