The Perak Government is always committed to boosting the tourism sector as it plays an important role in the growth of the state economy.
For instance, it is able to increase the income of the local community through their increased involvement in tourism activities such as the hotel industry, transportation, food and beverage, recreational sports and others.
Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, said that the arrival of tourists in Pangkor Island has increased, with 52,487 tourists recorded in October 2021 to 95,514 in November and 134,808 in December.
According to him, the increase was due to the entry of people from all across the nation after the implementation of Phase 3 and 4 of the National Recovery Plan (PPN) wherein interstate travel was once again allowed.
“This gives us confidence that the tourism industry, especially that of Pangkor Island, will continue to thrive while also facilitating the state’s economic recovery.
“I am certain that the efforts of various parties such as SKS Airways will provide a boost to the local economy while also strengthening Perak’s reputation as one of the main tourism hubs in Malaysia,” Saarani said.
He said this during his speech at the reception to welcome SKS Airways’ inaugural flight from Subang to Pangkor at the Pangkor Island Airport today (January 25).
Also present were the Chairman of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), Dato’ Seri DiRaja Dr Zambry bin Abd Kadir; Director of SKS Airways Sdn. Bhd., Dato’ Fahrul Rohman Ahmad; Executive Councillor for Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport, Mohd. Zolkafly Haron and the CEO of Tourism Perak, Nurmalis Musa.
The daily flights from Subang to Pangkor Island take 55 minutes with a capacity of 19 passengers including the flight crew per flight.
Saarani added that he believes this initiative by SKS Airways will help further promote the capacity and reputation of Pangkor Island as a Duty-free Island. He also hopes that it will encourage more flight companies to spread their wings to Perak.
At the same time, Saarani explained that the state government is aware of the importance of preparing quality infrastructure in ensuring that the tourism industry runs smoothly besides adding to the comfort of tourists.
He shared that in Manjung alone, there are already several completed projects such as the construction of a waiting space around the Pangkor Jetty, washrooms and surau in Teluk Nipah, as well as the development works at Kampung Penyu in Teluk Ketapang, Pangkor Island.
“Besides that, there are other projects that are ongoing such as the construction of a bazaar space in Teluk Nipah, as well as construction of an Arena Square, business space and floating restaurant in Teluk Baharu, Pangkor Island. Both projects are expected to be completed next year.
“It is hoped that these projects will help prepare Pangkor Island to welcome an even larger number of tourists in the future. Tourism Perak has approved approximately 100 event proposals from various parties to be carried out across the year 2022, and these will be listed in the state events calendar,” he said.
Rosli Mansor
=============================
Get your local news fast. Download the Ipoh Echo App on your mobile. Available on both Google Playstore and Apple Appstore.
