The Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Dato Yeoh Soon Hin highlighted that the port authority is continuously advancing the upgrade works at the Penang cruise terminal to enhance the overall experience for visitors, further solidifying Penang’s position as an international cruise tourism hub.
He highlighted that the restroom facilities in the passenger waiting area at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal have now been fully upgraded, offering a more comfortable and hygienic environment for travelers.
At the same time, the Port Commission is also actively coordinating with the police, city council and tourism ministry to ensure smooth traffic and good order around the terminal, while safeguarding the rights of visitors and promoting a positive national image.
Recently, Resorts World Cruises’ Star Voyager made its maiden call at Swettenham Pier, where a plaque exchange ceremony was held to commemorate the occasion. A cultural dance was also arranged by Tourism Malaysia to receive the passengers.
Yeoh also proposed that Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) should make good use of the terminal space during periods when cruise ships are not docked, by transforming Swettenham Pier into a “Unique Event Space”. This space could support a variety of uses and promote the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry in Penang.
“Swettenham Pier is strategically located adjacent to George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, giving it a unique locational advantage. We propose organizing various types of events on non-cruise days, such as art exhibitions, food festivals, cultural performances, corporate events, and markets, to fully unlock the potential of the space.” he added.
Yeoh shared that this initiative would not only improve the efficiency of terminal usage but also create new growth opportunities for Penang’s MICE economy. He believes that through diversified utilization, the area surrounding the terminal can be revitalized, benefiting small vendors, hotels and service industries, enriching Penang’s tourism offerings, and attracting more business travelers across different segments.
