KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 (Sin Chew Daily) — A more user-friendly visa for Malaysians to enter China and vice versa has been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, says Ouyang Yujing, the Ambassador of China to Malaysia.

He said both Malaysia and China are to relax the visa requirements further this year, but this has been put on hold due to the pandemic.

"I believe once the pandemic is over, we will continue to work on relaxing the visa requirements for both countries," said Ouyang Yujing during a virtual meeting with the Federation of Seven Clan Associations.

Ouyang said this in reply to Zhang Run An, chairman of the Federation of Seven Clan Associations and Federation of Hakka Associations Malaysia president.

Zhang asked whether the Chinese Embassy would waive visa requirement for Malaysians who have reached the age of 55.

To another question on the possibility of implementing Reciprocal Green Lane between China and Malaysia, Ouyang said both countries are in the midst of negotiation for the implementation of Reciprocal Green Lane.

The Federation of Seven Clan Associations and the Federation Of Malaysian Chinese Surnames Associations introduced the history of clan associations in Malaysia to Ouyang during the virtual session.

Ouyang said he hoped the clan associations would continue to play their role connecting both Malaysia and China in promoting friendship between the two countries.

Besides fighting the COVID-19 pandemic with Malaysia, Ouyang said he also hoped to work with the clan associations in Malaysia to promote cultural exchanges.

"By continuing to play the role of bridging the gap between China and Malaysia, the Chinese clan associations will remain as friendship ambassadors between our two countries.

"They are the players, promoters and beneficiaries of enhanced friendship between China and Malaysia," said Ouyang.

The Chinese Ambassador also promised to support activities organized by the clan associations.