Malaysia grants visa-free entry for Indians

Malaysia will grant a 30-day visa-free entry for Indian and Chinese citizens starting Dec. 1, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced, joining Thailand and Sri Lanka in recent weeks to offer such a facility to foreigners to promote tourism.

Ibrahim said the waiver was an additional facility to the existing visa exemptions currently enjoyed by Gulf nations and other West Asian countries, including Turkiye and Jordan.

However, the official Bernama news agency reported that Ibrahim, also the country’s Finance Minister, said the visa exemption was subject to top security screening.

“Initial screenings will be conducted for all tourists and visitors to Malaysia. Security is a different matter. If there are criminal records or the risk of terrorism, they will not be allowed to enter,” the Prime Minister said.

That comes under the authority of the security forces and immigration,” the Premier said.

The 30-day visa-free entry is also enjoyed by eight ASEAN countries for social visits, tourism, and business.