Perak Aims To Be Major Cruise Tourism Hub, Spur Local Economy

IPOH, June 1 (Bernama) -- Perak is ready to become a major cruise tourism hub by offering an alternative to existing ports, such as Port Klang and Penang, said Perak Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development Committee chairman Loh Sze Yee.

He said the arrival of the Star Dream Cruise in the state for the first time, carrying about 3,000 international tourists, is seen capable of having a significant multiplier effect on local businesses, such as food and beverage, retail, handicrafts and transportation.

He added that the cruise ship not only promotes Perak’s cultural heritage, but also enhances the state’s image on the global stage, attracts investments in the tourism sector, creates opportunities for infrastructure development and improved tourism services.

“This (the ship’s arrival) creates new employment opportunities for local residents in various fields, such as hospitality, tour guide and the handicraft industry.

“The increase in tourist arrivals will also spur economic growth in areas around Lumut, Sitiawan and Ipoh, thus making tourism more dynamic,” he said in a statement today.

Loh said that among the options offered to tourists is to take a ferry directly to Pangkor Island upon arrival in the state’s waters, while another alternative is they can get off at Marina Island before being taken to Ipoh to visit various tourist sites and interesting attractions in the city.

He added that the state government is also holding discussions with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) to expand the promotion of tourism and community-based products from Chinese New Villages and Malay villages around Manjung to international visitors, thereby introducing the uniqueness of local culture and products to the global market.

“For example, in the Chinese vilages, we have a wide variety of attractions, especially the famous traditional Hokchiu foods such as Kompia, Ang Chow Mee Suah and Kampung Koh chili sauce.

“At the same time, the Malay villages offer various products that have long been popular, such as fish satay, ikan bilis, sambal ikan bilis Mata Biru and many more that can be introduced to international tourists,” he said.

He said the cruise ship’s call at Perak was also a pilot effort that is expected to be further enhanced in the future, including by providing more local products and tourist attractions in a single location to make it easier for visitors to shop.

“The state government and Tourism Perak remain committed to providing full support for the development of cruise tourism and improving infrastructure, facilities and services to ensure the best experience for all visitors. The Pan Silver Ferry initiative will continue to serve as the main link between Marina Island Jetty and Pulau Pangkor,” he said.

He added that the cruise ship is also scheduled to call at the state again on June 22, and that the state government is fully prepared and working closely with Tourism Perak, the Immigration Department and Customs to ensure the smooth arrival of tourists on that date.

-- BERNAMA