Penang airport springs back to life

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang International Airport (PIA) has sprung back to life after a two-year lull when some 1,000 passengers on nine international flights landed at the airport in Bayan Lepas on the first day of international borders reopening.

State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the flights arrived from Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

“The flights are a testament to the overwhelming response of international tourists.

“It is a milestone for Penang, in particular, and Malaysia, as we have been waiting for our international borders to reopen for the last two years.

“We expect more flights from other international destinations in the coming months, including Thailand later this month.

“Our hope is that 2022 will be a better year for all and that it opens a new chapter for the tourism sector as we work towards further economic recovery,” he said after welcoming the state’s first international flight yesterday.

Yeoh said more retail shops at PIA are expected to open next month to cater to the growing crowd.

“The multi-storey carpark, which has 1,800 parking lots, is scheduled to open in May or June,” he said.

Earlier, Yeoh welcomed 172 passengers from Singapore who were on their first international flight into Penang which arrived at 10.34am.

The flight was greeted with a water cannon salute and passengers were welcomed by kompang performers in traditional attire.

The passengers also each received a goodie bag from Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia Airports was expected to receive 119 flights yesterday.

Meanwhile, it was quiet at the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Safety Complex despite the anticipation of travellers on the reopening of the Malaysia-Thailand international border.

Changlun Bukit Kayu Hitam Taxi Association vice-president Mohd Zainuddin Makul said taxi drivers, hawkers and tour agents near the border did not observe travellers from the checkpoint.

“Perhaps it is still early and Ramadan is starting on Sunday,” he said.

A source said Thai citizens could enter Malaysia but were not allowed to shop at the duty-free complex in Bukit Kayu Hitam.

It is also learnt that the Thai authorities will not allow taxis and motorcycles from Malaysia to enter Thailand until further notice, while private cars and vans were permitted.