Perhentian’s first seaplane

Bold new venture: Sultan Abdullah officiating the launch of the seaplane at Pulau Perhentian, with Nelson Tan (third from right), Syed Mohd Yusof (second from right) and Chan (right).

KUALA BESUT: Pulau Perhentian has hit another milestone by having the first seaplane to bring tourists to the scenic island located off Kuala Besut.

The seaplane facility was offered by the newly-launched Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa developed by Ikhasas Group.

The launch of the new seaplane took place at the resort and it was graced by Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

Ikhasas Group managing director Tan Chee Kian said it was the first private seaplane ferrying tourists to Pulau Perhentian.

Tan said there were suggestions to clear more land in Pulau Perhentian to build a physical runway for planes to land but he rejected the idea.

“Let the seaplane bring tourists to the island, so that the trees and marine life here are well-preserved,” Tan said when met at the resort on Thursday.

“Tourists from Singapore or Thailand who want to either take off from Subang or Penang airport can use the seaplane to come here,” he added.

The new private seaplane, which is a Cessna Caravan 208Ex Amphibian, is the first of its kind in Malaysia.

It was purchased by Oriental Sky Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ikhasas Group.

Tan also said the seaplane initiative was endorsed by the government and in future, a mini Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex may be built here.

“Tourists from Singapore, Thailand and other countries can have their passports stamped here.

“This is a good move to help shorten the time for us to be an international model,” said Tan, adding that the plane can be booked online.

Meanwhile, 40-year-old Mohd Huzaimi Ismail said he became the pilot of the seaplane after receiving training in the United States.

According to Mohd Huzaimi, the seaplane can fly up to six hours.

Among those present during the launch were Ikhasas executive director Tan Sri Nelson Tan Jyh Yaong, Fajar Baru group executive chairman Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy, Chee Kian’s wife Chan Shiu Shyan and prominent businessman Tan Sri Syed Mohd Yusof Syed Nasir.