Flights Between Malaysia And Chinese Provinces Set To Rise Amid Growing Demand — Ambassador

From Rohani Ibrahim

BEIJING, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- Direct flights between Malaysia and various Chinese provinces are expected to increase to accommodate rising travel demand, said Ambassador of Malaysia to China Datuk Norman Muhamad. 

He said the mutual visa exemption between Malaysia and China, which came into force on July 17 2025, has strengthened people-to-people exchanges and served as an important boost for the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026. 

“China is an important market for Malaysia in the field of tourism,” he said in his speech when officiating the Flavour of Malaysia@ The Balcony promotion at Grand Hyatt Beijing here, Thursday. 

According to Norman, in 2024, Malaysia witnessed a remarkable 123 per cent increase in Chinese tourist arrivals compared to 2023. 

This growth is supported by 465 weekly flights connecting 27 cities in Malaysia and China, a significant increase from the 357 weekly flights available pre-pandemic, he said. 

On the Flavour of Malaysia promotion, Norman said the true beauty of Malaysian food lies in its vibrant diversity.

“From Malay to Chinese, Indian to Sabahan and Sarawakian, each community brings its own unique flavours to the table,” he said. 

According to Norman, these distinct tastes fuse into a cuisine that wonderfully reflects Malaysia’s multi-racial society, making food a unifying force for the nation.

Through this promotion organised by Grand Hyatt Hotel and supported by the Embassy of Malaysia in China, two chefs from Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur Asaari Johari and Nurul Shuhada Abdul Hamid were flown here to prepare Malaysian delicacies. 

Asaari, when met, said Chinese love Malaysian spicy food and he is honoured to prepare the dishes for the Malaysian food fans in Beijing. 

Nurul Shuhada, on the other hand said she ensured all the Malaysian delicacies prepared were made with authentic ingredients brought all the way from Malaysia, like the petis udang for the sambal rojak. 

The Flavour of Malaysia promotion, which kicked off today, and will run until Oct 30, with Malaysian cuisine served during lunch and dinner at Grand Hyatt Beijing. 

Among the Malaysian delicacies that will be served during the promotion are sup ekor berempah, udang galah masak lemak, mutton rendang, kerapu harimau berlada, ayam masak merah, pajeri nanas and onde-onde.

During the launch of the promotion today, guests had a taste of Malaysia with a silat performance, Borneo dance as well as joget and zapin songs performed by the Embassy’s staff.

-- BERNAMA