KUALA LUMPUR: Ties between Malaysia and China will remain strong despite the temporary visa ban for Chinese citizens from Wuhan and areas around Hubei province, said Tan Kok Wai.
The Special Envoy of Malaysia to China said the coronavirus outbreak has been unfortunate and hoped the global community including Malaysia will work together to overcome the challenge.
“Our relationship will not be hurt because we have always maintained a very deep friendship and cooperation with China,” he told reporters at a programme here on Tuesday (Jan 28).
The Prime Minister’s Office in a statement on Monday (Jan 27) had announced the suspension of the Electronic Travel Registration & Information (eNTRI) facility, Visa on Arrival, e-visa and manual visa, for Chinese citizens from the epicentre of the virus outbreak.
Tan hoped that the suspension will only be temporary and will be lifted once the outbreak is under controlled.
“The China government had restricted travels for their citizens from Wuhan from travelling overseas.
“In actual effect, they cannot come here at all even without the temporary suspension of immigration facilities,” said Tan.
He also noted that the year 2020 marked an important milestone for both countries, as it aimed to boost cross-tourism promotions.
“After all, Malaysia and China have the best relationship.
“This year is also the promotion of cultural and tourism year for both countries.
“So we are actually promoting the tourism activities in China while China is also promoting tourism activities here,” he said.
