GEORGE TOWN – Penang is hoping its international airport will be added to the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) between Malaysia and Singapore after its announcement on Monday.
State exco for Tourism and Creative Economy (Petace) Yeoh Soon Hin said including Penang International Airport (PIA) will inevitably boost the tourism economy in Penang, Kedah, Perlis, and Perak.
“The launch of VTL in KLIA is much welcomed, but I believe that PIA should be included considering its position as an important gateway to northern Peninsular Malaysia.
“Launching VTL in two cities concurrently can double the pace of economic recovery and reboot our battered industries, particularly the services sector that comprises food and beverage, hotels, tourism operators, and more.
“Putting PIA in the VTL list doesn’t only benefit Penang per se, but also other neighbouring states that are all dependent on PIA as the only international airport for traffic and business opportunities,” he said in a statement.
Yeoh is confident that the state is prepared for the VTL, as Penang’s adult population vaccination rate has reached 99% as of November 9. Penang’s tourism frontliners have been fully vaccinated through tailored jab programmes since July.
He added that the international air route between Changi Airport and PIA recorded 107 flights per week during pre-Covid-19 days in November 2019, a commendable figure that must be considered by the federal government.
The VTL is set to take effect beginning November 29, with applications open for Singaporeans to apply for travel on November 22.
It is only for fully vaccinated individuals, with quarantine-free travel allowed only via flights between Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Changi Airport.
All travellers will have to complete a Covid-19 PCR test before departure and upon arrival.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong took to Facebook to note that reopening travel across the Causeway and the Second Link in Johor is in discussion.
He said that they are looking to launch a similar VTL scheme between Singapore and Johor soon.
However, there is no mention of travel between Singapore and Penang. – The Vibes, November 10, 2021
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