High time Komtar drops ‘islander syndrome’, say mainland tourism players

 GEORGE TOWN – The Penang government has been told that it is time to promote its mainland as a tourist attraction instead of sticking to past policies which are island-centric.

Tour operators say there is no reason the mainland cannot attract local and foreign tourists since it has its fair share of famous hawker food joints, landmarks, as well as nightlife spots.

Malaysia Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang Chapter chairman K. Raj Kumar said that the state government and the Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) should plan specific programs and events to promote tourism on the mainland.

“There have been complaints that the mainland has been neglected by the state government as it only plans, organizes or approves development programs and official events on the island. 

“The state government and MBSP have to be aggressive in organising tourism events and identify tourist attractions on the mainland as well as find ways and means to promote these attractions,” he told The Vibes.

Raj Kumar, who is also general manager of The Light Hotel, a five star establishment located in Seberang Jaya, said that nightlife spots for foreign tourists could be created at Sunway township similar to the ones in Siem Reap, Cambodia or those in Vietnam.  

“Many foreigners stay in hotels on the mainland, often with their families, and if we don’t cater to them, they will either go to the nearest tourist destinations like, Phuket, Medan or Haatyai, which is about one-and-a-half-hour drive from Penang,” he said.

One way of promoting the mainland is to organise weekly bazaars (that sell handicrafts) in Butterworth.

Penang Bird Park director Gino Ooi, said that the state government has yet to drop its “islander syndrome”.

He said connectivity and accessibility was important to connect the island and the mainland by having frequent bus services to the Seberang Jaya township, which is in the middle of the three districts on the mainland.

The state could also ask tour companies on the island to organize trips to food haunts, markets, padi fields or boat rides into mangrove forests, which are only available on the mainland.

“Tourists to Penang don’t just come here for shopping, to stay at luxury hotels and enjoy the food, they also come here to enjoy the state’s natural attractions.

“Penang Bird Park is already popular on the mainland, but other tourist spots and items sold on the mainland needs to be promoted to boost the tourism industry,” Ooi added. – The Vibes, March 1, 2021