Penang homestay operators focus on local products to weather downturn

NIBONG TEBAL, May 8 -- Penang village homestay operators are actively seeking alternatives to generate income after being badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic since last year.

Penang Homestay Association chairman Rohaizad Othman said every village homestay cluster has focused on selling local products, while waiting for a safe time to receive tourists again.

“Besides offering homestay service, operators also sell products from their areas. 

“For example, the Pulau Aman Homestay Association produces products like kuih kapit, operators in Mengkuang Titi produce bahulu and Sungai Setar operators are known for making souvenirs,” he said.

Rohaizad told reporters this after attending the launch of the Penang State Homestay Package programme and digital platform JomHomestay.MY, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bhd (JKSB) here last night.

Rohaizad said since there is a lull in the tourism sector, operators are taking the opportunity to upgrade their products and quality of services by undergoing courses held by MOTAC such as on food preparation.

Meanwhile, Northern District Tourism Malaysia acting director M. Yoganthiran said the digital platform was created to facilitate efforts to promote village homestay packages nationwide.

“Through the application, tourists can make online bookings and payments for homestay and ‘kampungstay’ packages in the country which are registered under MOTAC.

“We hope the launch of Penang Jom Homestay and the JomHomestay.My website application will expedite the current economic digitalisation process,” said Yoganthiran.

The event was also attended by 10 clusters of the state’s village homestay operators from Mengkuang Titi, Teluk Bahang, Pulau Betong, Sungai Semilang, Sungai Duri, Sungai Setar, Sungai Chenaam, Pulau Aman, Kota Aur and Lahar Yooi.

-- BERNAMA