JAKARTA — Malaysia has stopped all immigration facilities including the issuing of visas for Chinese citizens hailing from Wuhan and areas around the Hubei province, even as Indonesia continues to welcome visitors from China.
No countries have banned [Chinese tourists], so why should we ban them? We [need only] to increase alertness,– Indonesia tourism minister Wishnutama Kusbandio
“The Malaysian government has followed World Health Organisation (WHO) procedures and got the advice of experts to face and handle the spread of this virus…monitoring is done from time to time, and all authorities are doing their best to prevent transmission.”
Immigration facilities such as eNTRY(facility without visa), e-visa, manual visas and Visa On Arrival (VOA) are temporarily banned to all China nationals from Wuhan city and areas around the Hubei province, the government adding that “this decision was made taking into account that the development of the infection 2019-nCoV in China, especially in said Hubei province, and this takes effect immediately”.
The ban will be lifted when the situation returns to normal, said a statement from the Prime Minister's Office on Jan 27.
Indonesia on the other hand said on the same day that the country has no plans to ban Chinese tourists from entering, with the exception of those arriving from Wuhan and the province of Hubei.
“No countries have banned [Chinese tourists], so why should we ban them? We [need only] to increase alertness,” said Indonesia tourism minister Wishnutama Kusbandio, adding that the outbreak – which has since infiltrated over 2,000 people over four continents – has yet to have any impact on the country’s tourism.
“However, those from Hubei province and the city of Wuhan are banned, so take note of that.”
Transportation minister Budi Karya Sumadi echoes Mr. Wishnutama’s thoughts, saying that Indonesia Airlines has suspended only flights between Wuhan and Denpasar, Bali, while routes to other China cities are still in operation.
“Because other countries still welcome them [Chinese tourists], we must welcome and treat them politely too,” said Mr. Budi.
Meanwhile authorities are ensuring that Chinese tourists entering Indonesia are healthy. Operators have installed thermal scanners in all 19 airports.
“If any passengers fall sick, we immediately cooperate with the Immigration Office. We make sure that their body temperature remains below 38 degrees and during checkups our officers wear face masks,” said Faik Fahmi, president director of airport operator PT Angkasa Pura I.