The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government has urged the Malaysian government to reconsider its decision to impose travel restrictions on visitors from Hong Kong.

Secretary for Security Regina Ip made the request at a press briefing at the Central Government Office Thursday.

She said: "When we got wind that the Malaysian authorities would impose a visa requirement on Hong Kong residents, the Director of Immigration immediately asked to see the Consul General and told them that we did not think this measure was necessary and that we regretted the decision and asked them to reconsider."

"We have not had any report that other countries are following suit and out colleagues in health and welfare departments will continue to brief mission in Hong Kong about the situation regarding atypical pneumonia," she added.

Previously, holders of Hong Kong SAR government passports enjoyed 30-day visa-free entry into Malaysia.

So far, 154 patients were recovered from atypical pneumonia and were discharged from public hospitals in Hong Kong.

(Xinhua News Agency April 11, 2003)