The Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association Mita has firmly rejected claims that Malaysia’s visa-free policy is creating unfair competition for local small and medium enterprises, saying the real issue lies in enforcement against a small number of offenders misusing tourist visas.
Backing the Government’s position, Mita stressed that foreigners working illegally on tourist visas is not limited to any one nationality and should be addressed through stronger penalties and consistent enforcement rather than by questioning long-standing visa policies.
Mita president Mint Leong welcomed the Government’s directive for enforcement agencies to take firm action against those found abusing social visit passes.
She said foreign nationals who misuse tourist visas to work illegally across key sectors must face tougher consequences to protect the integrity of Malaysia’s tourism and business environment.
Responding to concerns raised by some SMEs, Leong rejected the idea that visa-free entry allows foreigners to flood the market and compete unfairly. She cautioned against using isolated cases to discredit visa-free arrangements that took decades to negotiate and have delivered clear economic benefits.
Leong pointed to Home Ministry data showing that in 2025, Malaysia recorded 3.45 million arrivals from China, with only 418 individuals arrested for abusing social visit passes. This represents roughly 0.013 per cent of total arrivals, underscoring that violations remain minimal compared to the overall scale of tourism inflows.
She added that inbound tourism is a major economic pillar supporting more than two million jobs nationwide, from hospitality and transport to retail and food services. Amplifying rare incidents, she warned, risks harming an industry that plays a crucial role in national growth.
With Visit Malaysia 2026 already underway, Mita called for stronger cooperation between government agencies and industry players to ensure fair enforcement while maintaining Malaysia’s attractiveness as a destination. The association also urged the Government to extend multi-country visa-free policies set to expire at the end of the year, citing their importance in sustaining visitor growth and investor confidence.
At its core, Mita’s message is simple. Protect the system, punish abuse, but do not dismantle policies that bring jobs, income and global goodwill to Malaysia. Tourism thrives on trust, balance and long-term vision, and safeguarding all three is essential as the country prepares to welcome the world in 2026.
