GEORGE TOWN – A total of 2,309 passengers have entered Penang under the Penang-Singapore air Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the figure was recorded over a 12-day period between March 16, when the Penang-Singapore VTL was first launched, and March 27. He said the number of flights recorded during the same period was 21.
“During the period too, six passengers were tested positive for Covid-19. All of them underwent home quarantine,” he told newsmen when asked on the progress of the Penang-Singapore VTL.
On March 16, Penang received its first batch of visitors under the Penang-Singapore VTL. A total of 210 passengers arrived from Singapore via flights AK1730 and SQ138.
Asked if the passenger arrivals met the state’s projection, Chow said the VTL was based on application and subjected to protocol.
“I believe many people are waiting to travel once the country’s international borders reopen on April 1,” he added.
Chow said apart from those who entered the state under the VTL, they were also those who entered the state not under the VTL programme and were subjected to quarantine.
Commenting on the state’s preparation to welcome more visitors once the international borders reopen on April 1, Chow said the state was not expecting an immediate surge in visitors.
“This is because when you travel, you need to plan.”
“We are expecting a gradual increase for a start before normalcy is achieved.”
“We hope to be able to hit impressive numbers in the coming months,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chow thanked the domestic visitors who have been thronging Penang all this while, which contributed to high occupancy rates at beach hotels.
“We are thankful and happy that domestic tourists are coming (to Penang). They provide an impetus to the local tourism,” he added.
Source: NEW STRAITS TIMES
