GEORGE TOWN: The air Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL-Air) between Penang and Singapore from March 16 will boost international tourism here, says the Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang chapter.

       Its chairman K. Raj Kumar said Singapore was among the five countries offering the highest tourism receipts in Penang.

       “Singaporeans have high spending power. Opening VTL-Air for them to come here is a good boost for international tourism,” he added.He hoped that international travel would also be extended to Thailand and Indonesia soon.

       He said statistics showed that less than one per cent of Covid-19 cases were in Categories 3, 4 and 5, adding that the country was gradually moving to the endemic stage.

       Association of Tourism Attractions Penang chairman Ch’ng Huck Theng said the VTL-Air between Penang and Singapore would bring in added revenue to boost the tourism industry’s recovery.

       “When national borders were opened late last year, revenue surged. We expect the same with the opening of the Penang-Singapore VTL-Air. It will benefit us,” he said.

       Ch’ng concurred that Penang also needed a VTL with Indonesia and Thailand.

       “Our members are ready to receive more local and foreign tourists with a proper standard operating procedure.

       “Although the number of Covid-19 cases is still high, the death rate is relatively low,” he added.

       Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers Penang chairman Datuk Lee Teong Li said the VTL-Air would be good for businesses in Penang and elsewhere in the northern region as it would enable the acceptance of talents not just to work, but also to support operations.

       “A lot of machinery requires the international support of technicians for maintenance. We can’t do it locally due to warranty void concerns.

       “Face-to-face interactions are important for product and sales discussions. There are many head offices of US, European and Japanese brands in Singapore and we need the business and physical interaction,” he added.

       Ordinary folk like retiree Albert Khoo, 63, said he was delighted with the news as he had not seen his daughter for more than a year.

       “She is working in Singapore. She has not been back here for a long time. Hopefully, she can be home in two weeks’ time,” he added.

       Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said, “Since Penang is a tourism state, we are always ready. We have taken precautionary measures in promoting safe travel.

       “The high vaccination rate in Singapore and Malaysia, including Penang, will be key in curbing the spread of the virus.”