Angkasa Ventures Into Eco Marine Tourism With RM2 Mln Cruise Project

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad (Angkasa) has invested RM2 million to purchase two cruise boats as part of its new venture into eco marine tourism through sailing experiences in Penang waters.

Angkasa president Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Fattah Abdullah said the initiative would bring a fresh dimension to the tourism industry, particularly through the involvement of the cooperative movement.

He said the high-impact project received partial funding from the government through the Implementation Coordination Unit and the Penang Bumiputera Development Council, alongside contributions from participating cooperatives.

“For the project, a catamaran and a sailing boat will be used to take visitors around Penang waters. We expect a return on investment of between eight and 10 per cent within three years,” he told reporters at Forest Island here today.

He was met after the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between Angkasa and Forest Eco Sdn Bhd chairman, Alvin Poh, witnessed by Penang Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol.

Forest Island is an 80,000 sq ft kelong (offshore platform) area equipped with facilities such as fishing spots, kayaking, a restaurant, and Malaysia’s first sea-based pickleball court.

Abdul Fattah said the collaboration, via Angkasa’s associate company My Ancasa Travel Sdn Bhd, will see the development of eco marine cruise packages that highlight environmental sustainability.

“The project will also create opportunities for new activities such as water sports, guided tours, environmental education and eco-friendly marine programmes. Packages will be priced from RM99,” he said.

He added that the collaboration is expected to generate economic spillover for coastal communities through support services such as tour boats, food and beverage, handicrafts and local tour guides.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said the state government supports the initiative as it will attract more domestic and international tourists to Penang while promoting eco-tourism.

-- BERNAMA