GEORGE TOWN – Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin has welcomed the soon-to-be launched Penang-Singapore Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL).
He said the VTL scheme to be launched on March 16 plays a pivotal role prior to the full resumption of international tourism as it will serve as a benchmark for future international travel.
However, to ensure that Covid-19 infections continue to be controlled, Yeoh urges all airport personnel, airline staff and incoming tourists to abide by and strictly observe all necessary health protocols.
“Penang has long been instilling the importance of standard operating procedure (SOP) compliance among industry players and members of the public, which is evident through the Responsible Tourism campaign,”
“The campaign educates all stakeholders on their respective roles in making sure that tourism activities are conducted in an orderly and more importantly, responsible manner.
“We will keep an open channel of communication with airline representatives as well as airport staff to ensure VTL can be seamlessly launched,” he said in a statement.
He also highlighted that he has made site visits to the Penang International Airport to understand its preparedness in facilitating the launch of VTL in Penang.
International tourists who intend to visit Penang are also elated to hear of the launch.
One of them is a solicitor from Gold Coast, Australia, Gary Su, who has extended family members in Penang.
“It has been so long since I could visit my family, since 2018 – that is very long considering that I usually make it back here at least once a year.
“It is not realistic for me to quarantine when I come back even though I am fully vaccinated. I cannot be away from work that long,” he told The Vibes.
However, he said that the Malaysian government needs to provide more information for travellers commuting through Singapore to enter Penang.
Information regarding time needed to be spent in Singapore, participating airlines and types of documentation needed will aid travellers vying to enter Penang. – The Vibes, March 4, 2022
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