KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 11- The Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) denied claims that Chinese nationals are not required to go through immigration checks and procedures and are not stopped when entering Malaysia, as made viral on social media recently.

Its director-general, Datuk Zakaria Shaaban insisted that the two allegations were baseless and could affect the image and credibility of the department.

He explained that the increase in the influx of Chinese nationals is the positive impact of the government's policy of promoting Malaysia as a major tourist destination through the implementation of the Visa Liberalisation Plan (PLV).

"The entry rate of Chinese nationals after the implementation of the PLV increased by 3.9 million last year, compared to 1.6 million in 2023."

"This shows an increase of almost 140 percent after the implementation of PLV," he said in a statement on Friday.

Zakaria added that the implementation of the Autogate facility at KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 does not affect the security aspect.

"The Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) allows foreigners from 63 countries to use the autogate facility at KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, including Chinese nationals."

"This is because the passport data and entry information will go through biometric data matching and facial verification stored in the passport chip."

"Visitors who use the autogate must meet conditions such as being free from the suspicion list and blacklist, as well as having filled out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), except for Singaporeans who are exempt from this requirement," he said.

He said, JIM supports the government's policy to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals into the country, especially social visitors who are able to generate the national economy.

The Director General stressed that JIM is always committed to providing the best service to citizens and foreign travelers entering Malaysia, without compromising on security issues.