Launching of Coffee Table Book Photo Exhibition - Malaysia-China 50th Anniversary by Star Media Group Sin Chew Daily at Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur. —YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: As Jenna Ooi and her husband excitedly showed their special China tourist visas, the retiree expressed her anticipation for their upcoming 20-day trip to Xi’an and Xinjiang in China.
“We have been to China a few times to visit different cities, but this longer trip with a group of friends will allow us to truly immerse ourselves in the country’s wonders.
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“We are so happy that we have finally received our visa,” Ooi said when met at the Malaysia-China 50th Anniversary Photo Exhibition commemorating the diplomatic relations between the two countries on the ground floor of the Centre Court concourse at Mid Valley Megamall here yesterday.
The couple’s excitement was palpable as the maximum visa-free stay in China for Malaysian tourists is currently capped at 15 days.
Ooi, who hails from Bayan Lepas, Penang, was hopeful that the recent announcement by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that China had principally agreed to extend the visa-free limit to 30 days would soon be implemented.
“China is a big country and has many places of interest. Fifteen days is simply not enough for us to have an enjoyable, in-depth experience.
“I hope we’ll be able to visit China visa-free for longer soon or even get a permanent waiver, which would be perfect,” she added.
Ooi’s relative Low Yin Ki, 61, who is from Petaling Jaya, echoed her sentiment as she prepared for her own 20-day China trip to Tibet, Qinghai and Chengdu.
“A longer visa-free stay would make it much more convenient for travellers like us who want to explore China more extensively,” she said.
Low also pointed out that with the limited locations of China visa application centres, a longer visa-free period would save outstation travellers from having to make a special trip to the visa centre.
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Ooi and Low were among the many Malaysians who gathered for the exhibition, which runs from now to Aug 18.
Amira Aida Iman Azman, 25, said she learned a lot from the exhibition, which showcased many of Malaysia’s achievements, such as winning the Thomas Cup in badminton in 1992, as well as the blossoming of Malaysia-China bilateral history over the years.
“I would love to visit China one day and see the Great Wall,” she said.
Wong Paik Yen, 30, found the exhibition interesting and a good way to celebrate the enduring friendship between Malaysia and China.
“Not many people are aware of this history and the photographs on display convey a lot as a picture is worth a thousand words.
“I think the photos will help attract more people to the exhibition and help them understand better,” she said.
S. Uthayan, 28, said he would love to take a trip to China one day, particularly to Guangzhou, which is also known as the City of Trade.
“Most of the products we use are made in China. I wish to see how the import-export trade works there.
“I also want to visit Beijing, a city with a rich history spanning centuries, as well as the city of Shanghai for its modern skyline,” he said.
The Blossoming and Fruiting Coffee Table Book and Malaysia-China 50th Anniversary Photo Exhibition are jointly organised by Star Media Group and Sin Chew Daily, supported by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, with UTAR as the education partner, AirAsia as the official partner, Mid Valley Megamall as the venue partner. IJM Corporation Bhd, Midea Scott & English Electronics Sdn Bhd, QL Resources Bhd and Tan Hong Aik as Coffee Table Book sponsors.
