16/01/2026

FRIDAY | JAN 16, 2026

21

LYFE

Penang’s tourism sector to maintain strong growth

Deep-fishing in Tanjung Aru island activity can charm visitors, says Alamin THE tourism potential of Tanjung Aru Island can serve as a new catalyst for local economic development, particularly in empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) directly involved in community-based tourism industry, said Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Deputy Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin. He said the area has its own unique attractions, including a water village, traditional food products and marine activities that can be developed into high-impact tourism offerings. “I see a lot of potential here, not only for homestays and tourism assets, but also to expand activities such as deep-sea fishing that can attract domestic and foreign tourists. These are among the potentials that we need to develop,” he told reporters after an engagement session with the local entrepreneurial community. He said under the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, various funds have been provided to support the development of community-based tourism, especially in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, including the development of homestays, expansion of tourism jetties as well as the addition of tourism assets and activities. Mohamad said an integrated approach among agencies such as the National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (Tekun Nasional), Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), Small and Medium Enterprises Corporation Malaysia (SME Corp), SME Bank and Bank Rakyat is crucial to ensure government assistance truly meets the needs of grassroots entrepreneurs. “I urge the Director-General of Tekun Nasional, AIM, as well as SME Corp, Bank Rakyat and SME Bank, to work in an integrated manner to assist entrepreneurs. Insya-Allah, I will continue to come down here to support engagement and interaction with them,” he said. As a water village inhabited by a fishing community, Pulau Tanjung Aru, located about three nautical miles (5.5km) from the town of Sandakan, is only accessible by boat. The village is home to the Brunei ethnic community, a minority group in Sabah that is largely found only in Membakut, Beaufort, Labuan and Brunei. – Bernama

P ENANG’S tourism sector is projected to maintain strong growth this year, with over eight million tourists expected to arrive via Penang International Airport. State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai attributed the growth to several new international flight routes, particularly direct services from Asian and Southeast Asian countries. “Last year, Penang International Airport recorded eight million passenger movements, though official figures are still pending finalisation. This year will see further announcements of new direct international routes to Penang, including AirAsia flights from Phuket, and Spring Airlines flights from Shanghai and Guangzhou,” he told reporters after launching the Nanhai Treasures – Commemorating the 400th Anniversary of the Wanli Shipwreck exhibition at Eco Horizon. He added that further international flight announcements expected this year could attract even more visitors from regions such as Southeast Asia, India and China, reinforcing Penang’s position as a premier tourism destination. He was also optimistic about strong growth for this year, boosted by the Visit Malaysia 2026 and Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 campaigns, which are expected to significantly benefit the state. “Penang’s strengths lie in its internationally accredited medical facilities and diverse tourism products. These will continue to drive the state’s economic growth through tourism,” he added. Separately, Wong said the Home Ministry’s new National Integrated Immigration System at Penang International Airport will streamline entry and exit for tourists. This upgrade follows numerous past complaints about lengthy queues at manual counters and is designed to reduce congestion and accelerate immigration clearance. He said the system is already operational in the departure hall and will be launched in the arrival hall in the coming weeks, ahead of Chinese New Year, to ensure smoother travel for all passengers. – Bernama

o Island expects over eight million traveller arrivals

Visitors at the ‘Khazanah Nanhai’ art exhibition, which commemorated the 400th Anniversary of the Wanli Shipwreck. – PICS FROM BERNAMA

Wong (left) visiting the exhibition booths.

Johor to intensify promotion, attracting more tourists for VJY2026

THE Johor government will step up its tourism promotional effortsin conjunction with Visit Johor Year 2026 (VJY2026). State Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin said in addition to welcoming programmes for tourists at the state’s entry points, the Johor government will also intensify promotional activities by disseminating state tourism related information through the media. “Today, we welcomed the arrival of tourists from Indonesia as part of efforts to promote Johor and we hope this initiative can be extended to other areas in the state. “This programme has been implemented at several entry points, with today marking the final session of the current series. So far, it has been carried out at 16 entry points. “However, the programme will not end today, as there will be follow-up initiatives to ensure continuous promotion of Johor in line with efforts to make VJY2026 a success,” he said.

He said this to reporters after welcoming the arrival of tourists from Batam, Indonesia, in conjunction with the VJY2026 celebration at the Tanjung Belungkor Ferry Terminal in Kota Tinggi last Saturday. Also present was Johor Tourism director Mohammad Nazrul Abd Rahim. Aznan said in terms of information dissemination, the state government would collaborate with the Information Department and other relevant agencies, in accordance with their respective portfolios, to obtain tourism-related materials from Tourism Johor for distribution to journalists and the media, thereby expanding coverage of the state’s tourism programmes. Meanwhile, Aznan said the Pengerang area has significant potential as a tourism destination, supported by three main entry points, namely the Tanjung Belungkor Jetty, Tanjung Pengelih Jetty and the Desaru coast. He said with continuous promotional efforts, Desaru is expected to continue attracting

Established in 1992, Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, Johor Bahru is decorated with at least 300,000 shards of colourful glasses. – BERNAMAPIC

“Among the attractions that can be highlighted in the Pengerang area are Pulau Tanjung Surat, oyster farms, food farms and a zoo, which can be developed through collaboration to provide more choices for tourists,” he said. – Bernama

tourists, noting that the Pengerang area is already crowded with visitors almost every weekend. In addition to large-scale attractions, Aznan said Johor also places emphasis on local economic products as part of the state’s tourism offerings.

A small cluster of islands off coast of Johor. – KIRTINEE RAMESH/THESUN