Putrajaya, December 20, 2024: Eleven days ahead of the deadline when free visa entry for Indians into Malaysia was set to end, the Malaysian government has extended the visa exemption for Indian Nationals for two years, upto December 31, 2026. This is expected to give a bigger boost to Indian tourism into Malaysia.

Datuk Awang Aik Jeman, the Secretary General of the Home Ministry of the government of Malaysia announced this in a statement on December 20, 2024. He said that this decision was in line with preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026 and Malaysia's Asean chairmanship for 2025. A similar visa exemption extension has been granted to Chinese nationals as well.

"This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance Malaysia's appeal as a travel destination while ensuring the safety and security of the nation" - Datuk Awang Aik Jeman

The Malaysian government's liberalisation plan that has been in place since December 2023, aims to boost the nation's tourism sector and economy, with an eye on maintaining national security.