GEORGE TOWN: Penang's transportation and tourism economy is set to receive significant boost following the launch of the Penang-Singapore Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) starting March 16.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said Penang welcomed the extension of the Malaysia-Singapore VTL scheme to Penang with open arms.
"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 standard operation procedures (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," he said today.
It was reported earlier today that the governments of Malaysia and Singapore had reached an agreement to expand the VTL by air to serve the Penang-Singapore route starting March 16.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said this VTL initiative would allow fully vaccinated travellers between Penang and Singapore and vice-versa with participating airlines under the VTL without being required to undergo quarantine upon arrival.
Wee said the sale of VTL air tickets would begin as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Yeoh urged all airport personnel, airline staff and incoming tourists to abide and strictly observe all the necessary health protocols.
"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.
Yeoh, during a visit to the Penang International Airport (PIA) in Bayan Lepas On Tuesday, had said the airport had put in place all the necessary preparations for the launch of the Penang-Singapore VTL.
He had said that the Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd had conducted the necessary spatial planning in PIA to ensure the smooth facilitation of the Penang-Singapore flights.