GEORGE TOWN – The temporary ban on flights between India and Malaysia is expected to have little impact on Penang’s economy, said state trade, industry and entrepreneur development exco Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain.
He said the state has several economic partnerships with India, especially involving the information technology industry.
There is ongoing demand in the manufacturing sector for workers from India, he added.
“In Penang alone, we have almost 3,000 professional engineers from India, as demand for electronic chip manufacturing is high at the moment,” Halim told a press conference at Komtar today.
“Some of these professional engineers also work on a contract basis.”
However, he said, priority should be given to public health for now, given that the Covid-19 situation in India is worsening.
He said the Penang government is focusing on the development of local talent, so that the state does not continue to rely on external expertise.
“Public safety is our priority, but it also needs to be balanced because whether we like it or not, the economy is also important for the future of the country.”
Yesterday, the government agreed to implement temporary restrictions on inbound and outbound flights between Malaysia and India starting tomorrow, to prevent the entry of a new variant of the coronavirus.
Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was reported as saying travellers from anywhere in India, whether on direct or transit flights, are prohibited from entering Malaysia. – The Vibes, April 27, 2021
