GEORGE TOWN – Penang exco for tourism and creative economy Yeoh Soon Hin has warned that the delay in the operations of the Royal Caribbean Cruises’ Spectrum of the Seas cruise ship due to the blanket ban imposed by the Immigration Department will jeopardise the future of its industry.
“The future of cruise ship tourism looks bleak if Immigration Department continues to cast a blanket ban on its operations.
“We have already missed out on a blockbuster year for cruise ship tourism in 2020 because of the pandemic.
“With the Immigration Department being so indecisive over reopening policies, it is very likely that the entire cruise ship industry will end up cruising nowhere,” he said in a statement, today.
Yeoh expressed his extreme disappointment and frustration at the situation, as the cruise ship’s arrival would bring an influx of about 4,000 passengers into Penang within its 16 passenger decks, as it is famed as one of the biggest ultra-class vessels in Asia.
He said that the outlook and prospects of Penang’s cruise tourism is exciting, particularly with the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal receiving a facelift and upgrade amidst the pandemic.
“The upgraded wharf will be able to accommodate 12,000 passengers, and the economic effect it brings will trickle down to many players in the tourism ecosystem, ranging from tourist attractions and souvenir shops to food and beverage, et cetera.”
Moreover, he believes that Penang presents an unparalleled advantage in cruise tourism – its strategic location – as it is the only port that is located at the heart of a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Because of this ban, cruise ships will be only allowed to call on Malaysian ports in July, at the earliest.
Meanwhile, Transport Ministry deputy undersecretary (maritime) Norhasliza Mat Salleh, who is coordinating the arrival of cruise ships, told The Star that she was baffled by why the ban was not lifted when aeroplanes have been flying in from around the country since April 1. – The Vibes, June 2, 2022
