By V. Sivaji
The Penang International Airport (PIA) received its first flight from Singapore after the reopening of international borders today.
Scoot flight PR494 landed at 10.30am carrying some 172 passengers received the customary “water cannon” welcome at the airport.
Leading the welcoming party was Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Yeoh Soon Hin accompanied by Penang Director for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Jonathan Freddy Bagang, Tourism Malaysia Northern Region director Shahrul Seman, his deputy Siti Hajar Yunus, Penang Global Tourism CEO Ooi Chok Yan, airport officials among others.
Arriving passengers were also a traditional kompang ceremony and given goody bags as a token to welcome them back to Penang.
“We are expecting a total of nine flights today, on the first day of international borders reopening. Eight flights are from Singapore and one is from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
“We hope with this development, the tourism industry and the overall economy of Penang and the country will recover. We will also carry out more promotions to attract visitors in tandem with MOTAC and Tourism Malaysia,” said Yeoh at a press conference after welcoming guests.
Among the airlines flying this route are Singapore Airlines, Jetstar and Airasia.
Yeoh is also hopeful and confident that more flights will make their way to PIA in the near future.
In the meantime, representatives from Tourism Malaysia, LADA, Malaysian Association of Hotels Kedah/Perlis Chapter, MATTA among others were on hand to welcome guests at the Langkawi International Airport (PIA).
Among the airlines which landed from Singapore were AirAsia and Scoot. Lending support was MAH Kedah/Perlis chairman Eugene Dass, Razmi Rahmat and Effendi Ramley. Arriving guests were presented with goody bags courtesy of Tourism Malaysia.
