Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced on Thursday that Chinese tourists will no longer need to acquire a visa to enter the country. 

Hamidi said that between March 1 and December 31 this year, Chinese nationals will be allowed to stay in Malaysia without a visa for a maximum of 15 days. Malaysia aims to attract eight million Chinese tourists over the next few years, a big step from last year's 1.3 million Chinese tourists.

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The government hopes that the Chinese visitors can boost the tourism sector by RM 22.1 billion. Although this may sound ambitious, the deputy prime minister is optimistic. 

"The RM22.1 billion spending power may seem very big but it is not impossible to garner because every Chinese tourist spends on the average RM3,345 now on food, lodging and shopping," he said. 

The government will also streamline the implementation of e-Visa to several countries to help other foreign tourists easily enjoy what Malaysia has to offer. 

"The presence of tourists with their spending power will give an immediate effect to national economic growth because we find that their spending habit has a positive impact on the economy of our country," he said. 

Hamidi said that tourism agencies such as Tourism Malaysia will receive assistance to further promote the sector through tourism advertisements and promotional activities.

The deputy prime minister also hopes that Malaysian artists in China will also help attract tourists. 

"It is hoped that tourism-related agencies will also promote other states abroad, without solely depending on the state governments to do this, because everything is for the good of the Malaysian tourism sector," he said.

Furthermore, Hamidi said that the money allocated should be spent effectively and towards improving the national economy, hinting a subtle warning against corrupt officials.

Tagsmalaysia china, Malaysia invites Chinese tourists, Malaysia tourism, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi