PUTRAJAYA, April 9, 2025 — The Penang Port Commission (PPC) is further strengthening its collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) to develop Penang as the region’s premier cruise tourism destination.
Led by its Chairman, Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin, PPC sent a delegation on a courtesy visit to Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing to consider strategic plans in reviving and reviving Malaysia’s cruise sector. The two groups had detailed discussions on cruise product development and the inportation of international cruise liners to Malaysia with particular emphasis on Penang.
Dato’ Yeoh highlighted the four key strengths of Penang in cruise development: the location advantage of the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) along the Strait of Malacca; proximity to the Malaysia-Thailand-Indonesia Golden Triangle with a vast cruise passenger base; a market-friendly business environment for the cruise industry; and a location in the UNESCO World Heritage area, imparting high tourism value.
He stated that cruise tourism was picking up quickly and reported that PPC had managed to attract cruise ships from Europe, the U.S., and China throughout 2024. This, he said, has contributed positively to the state’s economy.
“We will continue to leverage the momentum and opportunities from the industry’s recovery to further integrate cruise tourism with Penang’s local products and services to make the state an internationally recognized cruise destination,” said Yeoh.
Datuk Seri Tiong reciprocated that the Ministry will wholeheartedly support cruise tourism growth. He assured that MOTAC will assist PPC in promoting packaged cruise tourism products and intensify marketing through local and foreign media channels.
He also directed Tourism Malaysia to collaborate closely with PPC and industry players, study new incentive policies, and boost publicity to entice more cruise operators to come to Penang.
The delegation was accompanied by top officials from both sides, among them being PPC General Manager Dato’ Dr Vijayaindiaran A/L R. Viswalingam, Penang Port Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Dato’ Sasedharan, and Director-General at Tourism Malaysia Datuk Manoharan Periasamy.
