2020 will be the year of tourism for Malaysia, and the Malaysian government will spare no effort to make it happen.

Aside from the Tourism Ministry rebranding their logo and creating a breathtaking campaign advertisement, the Immigration department is also joining in the effort by ensuring that tourists feel welcome as soon as they arrive on our doorsteps.

How are they doing it? By teaching their Immigration officers basic Mandarin and other essential languages in an effort to provide a friendlier service at the country’s entry points.

Photo: KLIA2

Immigration Department director-general Datuk Khairul Dzaimee Daud told The Star that the new measure is part of the Visit Malaysia 2020 Campaign and will ensure ease of communication during the immigration process.

“As part of our ongoing effort to improve the Immigration Department, we want to enhance our counter service, especially at the KLIA (KL International Airport) and other airports.” he said.

As the immigration officers will be the first person to greet tourists after their tiring long-haul flights, this new measure aims at creating a friendlier service and give a lasting first impression as soon as they step foot in our country.

While the immigration department seemed to think that diversifying their effort to attract more tourists is a good idea, netizens over at Twitterjaya thought otherwise. Most were mainly focused on the fact that it isn’t fair for Malaysians to be learning another language when other countries would not even bother learning ours.

Malaysia ni kelakar. Orang luar nak masuk, kita yang kena belajar bahasa dia orang. Kalau orang Malaysia nak pergi luar, kita ni yang kena beria belajar Jepun/Korea/Russia etc untuk memudahkan urusan dekat sana. https://t.co/Te6R3iMs56

— Fadli (@Fadli_Pae) December 3, 2019

Seriously? Been to Venice, Italy, France, & Japan. they are proudly speaking in their language. So, why we have to learn other language?

— Zafrina (@Zafrina_AR) December 3, 2019

Do the immigration officers in Australia, UK or France learn basic mandarin or other major languages too?

— pawfeejjaaa (@parijjaaa) December 3, 2019

Some even suggested that English should be put forth as the main language for tourists when dealing with immigration officers.

On a bright side, a free foreign language course to add more value and knowledge for my personal development? Sign me up, please. But, c'mon basic English pun fail? Hampa ni lagu mana ni. Very Chin Peng la these peepuhl

— J'adoreJuwie (@adorejuwie) December 3, 2019

Just saying . anywhere we go, we will speak in english , instead of the nation's native language (except you know theirs lah) .
Kita nak ikut telunjuk dia atau dia ikut telunjuk kita? 😭

— lilo&stitch (@lailabrqh) December 3, 2019

What do you think?

By: Siti Farhan Sheikh Yahya