Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Yeoh Soon Hin expressed disappointment on the lack of urgency on the part of immigration authorities who seem to impede the return of the cruise industry.
This is following news reports that the Immigration Department has not lifted the ban on cruise ships coming to the country.
The main ports of call in Malaysia are Port Klang, Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) in Georgetown, Penang and Genting Cruise Terminal in Langkawi.
“The future of cruise tourism looks bleak if Immigration Department continues to cast a blanket ban over its operations.
“The Spectrum of the Seas cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean has been delayed from its supposed arrival in mid-June due to an official ban from the Immigration Department.
“I am extremely disappointed and frustrated over the delay, especially when it is expected to bring an influx of about 4,000 passengers to Penang in its 16 passenger decks, famed as one of the biggest ultra-class vessels in Asia.
“We have already missed out on a blockbuster year for cruise 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 industry will end up cruising nowhere,” said in a press statement.
Yeoh added that the outlook and prospects of Penang’s cruise tourism is exciting, particularly with the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) 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, souvenir shops to food and beverage and more,” he said.
Meanwhile, Genting Dream operated by Resort World Cruises has also expressed plans to sail from June 15 from Singapore.
It is worthy to note that not many ports in the world have the luxury of being located in the heart of the city like the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) which is located in the heart of Georgetown itself.
