Malaysian Ambassador to China, H.E. Dato’ Zainuddin Bin Yahya, pointed out that the number of Chinese tourists traveling to Malaysia has increased year by year. This is because apart from being friendly countries, co-operation between the two countries has further promoted the development of the tourism industry.

Dato’ Zainuddin said the above when he was visited by the Youth of Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC), Youth of Federation of Chinese Association Malaysia and Youth of Council of National Clan-based Youth Federation of Malaysia.

During the courtesy visit, Dato’ Zainuddin talked about tourism, education, trade and other related information in Malaysia.

Dato’ Zainuddin revealed that the Chinese tourists could travel to Malaysia by just completing a temporary visa (Evisa) online without a lot of formalities.

“As long as the Chinese tourists do not stay longer than 15 days, this temporary visa will automatically come into effect. The tourists can depart after printing it out,” Dato’ Zainuddin said.

He disclosed that Chinese tourists who traveled to Malaysia had increased by 7% last year, reaching 2.28 million, with 2.21 million in the previous year.

In terms of trade, Dato’ Zainuddin said Vietnam had become the largest exporter in Southeast Asia.

“Before 2016, we were ranked first, but now we ranked second. Malaysia must try to catch up. It is gratifying to note that Malaysia is still China’s largest importer, especially our Musang King durian and bird’s nest, greatly favoured by the Chinese,” Dato’ Zainuddin added.

Dato’ Zainuddin also revealed that there have been as many as 9,700 foreign students in Malaysia since 2012, of which the Chinese have taken up a large proportion and hope to reach 20,000 students by 2020.

On the same day, the tripartite parties also visited the China Youth Entrepreneurs Association and Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China (MAYCHAM China) to discuss the possibility of future co-operation.