KOTA BARU: Thailand-based tour bus operators planning to bring tourists into Malaysia must obtain approval from the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad), says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
These operators are required to apply for temporary permits before entering Malaysia.
"The government has recently decided to allowThai tour buses to enter Malaysia to bring in foreign tourists.
"They can enter this country via Kelantan and other state borders but they must apply for temporary permits first before they can travel to all parts of this country," he said.
Conversely, Thai van operators are prohibited from entering Malaysia to prevent potential disruptions to the bus express industry.
He said this ban would remain in place due to concerns about these operators picking up local passengers and even transporting them to Kuala Lumpur upon entering Malaysia.
Speaking to a press conference after launching the Phase 1 of Sultan Ismail Petra airport's extension project here today, Loke emphasised the importance of promoting Kelantan to Thai tourists.
He urged the state government to capitalise on this opportunity by organising promotional campaigns in Thailand and offering attractive tourism packages to attract Thai visitors.
"With this approval, we have suggested the state government carry out its promotion programmes to Thailand as much as they can.
"They can provide a lot of good packages to attract Thai tourists to the state," he added.
Loke also noted that with the completion of the airport projects, Kelantan would witness increased air traffic, positioning it as one of the busiest airports in the region.
Despite not being an international airport, Kelantan has become increasingly popular among foreign travelers in recent times.
Also present at the event was state Public Works, Infrastructure, Water and Rural Development committee chairman Datuk Dr Izani Husin.