Great news for Penang.
The Minister of Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has issued a press statement to announce that Malaysia and Singapore have reached a mutual agreement to expand the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) by air to serve Penang-Singapore with effect March 16, 2022.
Travelers from Penang-Singapore and vice versa with participating airlines under the VTL without being quarantined upon arrival.
The move will surely contribute to tourism, economy of the two countries. The first VTL was first initiated between Changi Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) route in November last year.
For a start the Penang-Singapore route will see four flights per day with the sale of tickets starting soon.
Meanwhile . Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Yeoh Soon Hin welcomed the move which is expected to benefit both states significantly.
“I would like to urge all airport personnel, airline staff and incoming tourists to abide and strictly observe all the necessary health protocols.
“The VTL scheme plays a pivotal role prior to the full resumption of international tourism as it will serve as the benchmark for future international travelling activities.
“Penang has long been instilling the importance of SOP compliance among industry players and members of the public, which is evident through the Responsible Tourism campaign.
“The campaign educates all stakeholders on their respective roles in making sure that tourism activities are conducted in an orderly and more importantly, responsible manner,” said Yeoh in a press statement.
He also highlighted that he has made site visits to the Penang International Airport to understand its preparedness in facilitating the launch of VTL in Penang.
“We will keep an open channel of communication with airline representatives as well as the airport staff members to ensure VTL can be seamlessly launched,” he added.