Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for the swift implementation of visa-free travel arrangements and direct flight connections between Malaysia and Russia to attract more Russian tourists to the country.
Speaking to Malaysian media at a closing press conference following his two-day working visit to the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit, Anwar said Malaysia is currently receiving far fewer Russian visitors than other countries with strong ties to Moscow.
He pointed out that around five million Russian tourists travel to Türkiye each year, while Thailand welcomes approximately two million, compared to only about 100,000 arrivals in Malaysia.
“Why are the numbers so low for Malaysia? The issues involve flights, payment systems and methods of payment that make travel more difficult. Sometimes we are held back by outdated procedures and excessive concern over how other countries might react,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that similar challenges also affect countries such as Iran and stressed that Malaysia should not allow concerns over external perceptions to hinder economic and tourism opportunities.
“Thailand continues to receive Russian tourists and maintains good relations with Europe and the United States. Why can’t the same happen in Malaysia? Why are we not providing the necessary facilities for Russia or Iran in this regard?” he asked.
Anwar revealed that he had raised the issue in Cabinet discussions several years ago, but progress towards resolving the matter has been slow.
He said he has since discussed the matter with Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Nasir, with plans to bring the issue back to the Cabinet for urgent consideration.
“We may take the initiative to present it at the next Cabinet meeting, give the relevant parties a few weeks and get it resolved,” he said.
The Prime Minister also questioned why establishing direct air links between Russia and Malaysia remains challenging when Russian airlines are already operating flights to several other destinations.
“There are flights from Russia to Thailand. Why is it so difficult to travel directly to Malaysia? We are an independent country and we speak about regional centrality within ASEAN,” he said.
Anwar stressed that Malaysia remains fully committed to respecting international laws and regulations while pursuing stronger economic and tourism ties with other nations.
“Of course, we understand the sensitivities involved. We will not violate any agreed rules, regulations or laws. We respect them fully,” he said.
However, he added that Malaysia should not be overly constrained by unilateral sanctions imposed by individual countries, distinguishing them from internationally recognised sanctions endorsed by the United Nations.
“If sanctions are imposed through the United Nations, then we will comply. But we do not need to be excessively concerned about unilateral sanctions introduced by certain countries,” he said.
The push for closer tourism cooperation comes amid reports that Russia plans to abolish visa requirements for citizens of Malaysia, Indonesia and Kuwait as early as 2026.
According to Nikita Kondratyev, Director of the Department for Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects at Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development, Malaysia and Indonesia have been identified as priority countries for the initiative this year.
Observers believe that easier travel procedures and improved connectivity could significantly increase tourist arrivals, strengthen people-to-people ties and open new opportunities for trade and investment between Malaysia and Russia.
