GEORGE TOWN – Penang’s tourism industry has received a shot in the arm after the Malaysian Aviation Group (MAG) revealed that it is pursuing direct flights between Singapore and Bayan Lepas in the coming weeks.
MAG group chief executive officer Capt Izham Ismail said the matter is now in the final stages where travellers can utilise the common Vaccinated Travel Lane (air) procedures, which is now applicable for flights between Singapore and Langkawi.
MAG consists of national carrier Malaysia Airlines, its budget counterpart Firefly and regional airline MASwings.
Izham said that the direct flights are expected to further enhance tourism. Currently, flights between Langkawi and Singapore fly at average loads of around 90%.
The state has been lobbying extensively to have an international tourism bubble similar to Langkawi although the sector is showing recovery due to domestic travellers.
Some 50,000 domestic tourists have already visited the Pearl of the Orient since tourism was allowed to recommence two months ago.
Izham also revealed that Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin will disclose other Vaccinated Travel Lane arrangements for countries in the Asean region as Malaysia works towards reopening the economy after being closed for two years with lockdowns.
He said this after the launching of the state-level Travel Safe Alliance Malaysia Certification at G Hotel.
The certification, which is audited and recognised internationally by Bureau Veritas Certification, is aimed at boosting confidence among travellers that Malaysia has taken the necessary steps to be a safe and secure inbound destination.
Asked about whether the airline would undertake new measures following the emergence of the highly transmissible Omicron variant of Covid-19, Izham said that the present measures are adequate, especially as the aircrafts are now equipped with germ-busting air circulation in its ventilation system.
The health authorities have also trained the airliners in taking necessary measures from masking to proper distancing and surveillance checks.
“We are taking steps to boost confidence in air travel, which is essential in helping reboot tourism,” said Izham.
Earlier, state tourism exco Yeoh Soon Hin, who launched the event, said he wants more travel trade providers to sign up with the alliance to gain the global certification since it can boost confidence among travellers.
The alliance consists of four key partners: the Malaysian Association of Hotels, the Malaysian Association of Tours and Travel Agents, the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers, and MAG. – The Vibes, December 22, 2021
