Chinese tour groups to enjoy temporary visa exemption - PM

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today announced the exemption of visa for tourists from China travelling to Malaysia in group tours between Oct 1 and March 31 next year.

This was one of the tourism promotion moves he highlighted when announcing proactive economic measures here.

"Subsequently, the e-visa system will be introduced to facilitate the issuing of visas to tourists from the major visitor countries," he said.

Najib, at a special news conference on the economy, said the government would provide RM80 million to intensify promotional activities in selected tourism markets, such as ASEAN, China and India.

He also announced the development of national iconic products, including rejuvenating the National Museum, National Monument and Perdana Lake Gardens, as well as would be developed, including improving connectivity to KL Sentral at a cost of RM1.1 billion.

"This is to fulfill the potential of the tourism products based on culture and heritage that will be implemented through the public-private partnership formula beginning next year with a facilitating fund of RM220 million," he said.

Najib also announced the integrated development of Desaru Coast Destination Resort, which encompasses a hotel, a water theme park, a conference centre, holiday homes and a shopping village, and the first phase of which costs RM4.5 billion.

He also said the development of the health tourism industry, which had gained international recognition, would be intensified.

"Details will be announced in Budget 2016," he said. Najib is scheduled to present Budget 2016 on Oct 23.