KUCHING: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) will station Mandarin-speaking officers at all international airports, said its minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
According to him, this is to help travellers from China who might have a poor command of English and do not understand Malay.
“MOTAC will coordinate this effort with international airport management throughout the country and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department and ensure availability at the country’s border gates, further easing the entry process for travellers, especially from China,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page today (Jan 8).
He went on to say that MOTAC has also proposed measures to ease the entry of Chinese tourists, not only to facilitate them but also to shorten the arrival process.
“China has closed its borders for over three years. A large number of travellers from China are expected to enter our country to travel.
“In addition to speeding up the customs inspection process without affecting travellers from other countries, this step can also highlight Malaysia’s friendly nature in welcoming travellers from China,” he said.
Tiong added that in light of Malaysia’s move to tighten its standard operating procedures (SOPs), this will also consider the health and safety of travellers from China.
The Bintulu MP also expressed his appreciation to the Immigration Department for agreeing to the move, which helps speed up the entry process for travellers and also the customs inspection process.
