KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 -- The Immigration Department of Malaysia has dismissed allegations on social media accusing the government of allowing a large number Chinese nationals to remain in the country.

The claims, which suggest that Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail granted Malaysian citizenship to Chinese nationals, have been circulating since he took office in 2022.

Citing the minister's explanation that was brought up in Parliament in March, the Immigration Department reiterated that the surge in Chinese nationals entry into Malaysia was a result of the visa-free travel arrangement between Malaysia and China that has been extended for another five years starting 2025.

Under this initiative, Chinese tourists are allo...