Latest news with #PenangInternationalAirport
The Sun
3 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Penang on strong path to progress, firmly rooted in heritage
GEORGE TOWN: Penang is on the right track to becoming one of Malaysia's most advanced states, driven by its strengths in industry, investment and tourism, said Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib. In an exclusive interview with Bernama, Tun Ramli said Penang's strategic blend of modern infrastructure, rich historical heritage and cultural diversity continues to attract global investors and tourists, placing the state prominently on the Southeast Asian investment map. 'Penang has a heritage that cannot be replicated, a legacy shaped by locals and colonial influences. It's not just physical, but also traditional, which includes customs, food, and way of life, all in one rich mix,' he said. The interview was conducted recently at Seri Mutiara by Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj and Penang bureau chief R. Ratcharathan. Tun Ramli noted that Penang's historical role as a trading port has been bolstered by modern infrastructure such as the Penang International Airport and an efficient road network, which continue to attract steady inflows of foreign investment. In the first quarter of 2025, Penang recorded RM6.7 billion in approved investments, 90 per cent of which were foreign direct investments (FDI), accounting for 22 per cent of Malaysia's total. He said the state's economy is expected to remain robust, driven by high-tech industries such as electronics, semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI), supported by ongoing infrastructure upgrades by the state government. Among the key federal-led mega projects seen as future catalysts are the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) project and the Juru–Sungai Dua Elevated Expressway, which are expected to improve connectivity significantly, ease tourist access and strengthen investment support. On tourism, Tun Ramli highlighted that Penang's competitive edge lies not only in its scenic charm but in its heritage-based tourism, ranging from colonial architecture to deep-rooted customs and diverse culinary traditions reflecting the state's multiracial identity. 'Heritage here isn't just about buildings, it's a way of life. Like the Taj Mahal in India, which has drawn crowds for centuries, Penang's heritage continues to captivate people from all over. The interest keeps growing,' he said. The Penang International Airport recorded nearly 2 million passenger movements in the first quarter of 2025, a 69.55 per cent increase from the same period last year. International passenger numbers rose by over 80 per cent, while domestic passengers increased by more than 57 per cent. Tun Ramli also praised the state's racial harmony and the strong command of the Malay language among non-Malay communities, calling it a solid foundation for Penang's progress. 'Penang is well poised for the future. What matters now is that we preserve our heritage while continuing to strengthen development,' he said in closing. - Bernama
Barnama
5 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Penang On Strong Path To Progress, Firmly Rooted In Heritage
By Ratcharathan A/L Rawe Shanggar GEORGE TOWN, July 30 (Bernama) -- Penang is on the right track to becoming one of Malaysia's most advanced states, driven by its strengths in industry, investment and tourism, said Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib. In an exclusive interview with Bernama, Tun Ramli said Penang's strategic blend of modern infrastructure, rich historical heritage and cultural diversity continues to attract global investors and tourists, placing the state prominently on the Southeast Asian investment map. 'Penang has a heritage that cannot be replicated, a legacy shaped by locals and colonial influences. It's not just physical, but also traditional, which includes customs, food, and way of life, all in one rich mix,' he said. The interview was conducted recently at Seri Mutiara by Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj and Penang bureau chief R. Ratcharathan. Tun Ramli noted that Penang's historical role as a trading port has been bolstered by modern infrastructure such as the Penang International Airport and an efficient road network, which continue to attract steady inflows of foreign investment. In the first quarter of 2025, Penang recorded RM6.7 billion in approved investments, 90 per cent of which were foreign direct investments (FDI), accounting for 22 per cent of Malaysia's total. He said the state's economy is expected to remain robust, driven by high-tech industries such as electronics, semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI), supported by ongoing infrastructure upgrades by the state government. Among the key federal-led mega projects seen as future catalysts are the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) project and the Juru–Sungai Dua Elevated Expressway, which are expected to improve connectivity significantly, ease tourist access and strengthen investment support.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Two immigration officers detained for corruption at Penang airport
GEORGE TOWN: Two Immigration officers were detained by the Penang Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for suspected involvement in 'counter-setting' activities at Penang International Airport. The arrests followed intelligence reports indicating abuse of power and bribery in processing foreign entries. The MACC explained that 'counter-setting' refers to a scheme where officers deliberately allow foreigners to enter Malaysia without proper screening. 'The officers abused their power by directing these individuals to predetermined lanes, bypassing standard immigration checks,' the agency stated. Both suspects are being investigated under the MACC Act 2009. Authorities are also working to uncover the full extent of the network and its operations. The MACC reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, particularly in sectors critical to national security. 'Strict action will be taken against any party involved in such offences,' the statement emphasised. – Bernama
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Counter-setting: Penang Immigration officers detained, MACC identifying 'high-level' links
GEORGE TOWN: Two Immigration officers stationed at the Penang International Airport have been arrested in a special operation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Penang, as part of an ongoing investigation into a corruption scheme known as 'counter-setting'. The officers allegedly abused their positions by allowing foreign nationals to bypass official Immigration screening and enter the country without proper clearance. According to sources familiar with the investigation, the two officers were detained after MACC received intelligence indicating their direct involvement in facilitating unauthorised entry. "The arrests were made under the MACC Act 2009 [Act 694]. "The detention is part of a broader effort to uncover the network and understand the full modus operandi behind this illegal practice," said a source, who confirmed the operation is ongoing. 'Counter-setting' is believed to involve a wider ring of personnel acting in collusion, potentially exposing systemic weaknesses at Malaysia's entry points. The source added that the two arrested officers are assisting MACC in tracing higher-level links and identifying other individuals who may be involved. MACC reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on corruption, particularly within enforcement sectors critical to national security. "Stern action will be taken against any individuals or parties found to have abused their power or engaged in corrupt practices," the source said. The public has been urged to report any information related to corruption in both the public and private sectors, as MACC continues its mission to uphold the integrity of public service. It was reported last week that an enforcement officer was arrested at Terminal 1 of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on suspicion of involvement in misconduct related to 'counter-setting'. The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) said the arrest was made after its Monitoring and Integrity Units detected the officer's suspicious behaviour via closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage at the Immigration checkpoint.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Two immigration officers detained over counter-setting in Penang
GEORGE TOWN: Two Immigration officers have been arrested in a special operation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) over alleged abuse of power and corruption linked to the unlawful entry of foreign nationals through the Penang International Airport (PIA). State MACC director Mohd Fuad Bee Basrah said the two immigration officers were detained at the state MACC office on July 28 after their statements were recorded. "The operation was triggered following intelligence reports uncovering a scheme known as counter-setting, in which Immigration officers were allegedly complicit in allowing foreign nationals into the country without undergoing mandatory screening or immigration checks," he said in a statement on Tuesday (July 29). Mohd Fuad said the officers are believed to have deliberately bypassed standard operating procedures to facilitate unauthorised entries of illegals into the country. He said the arrests were made under the MACC Act 2009. "Further investigations are ongoing to identify the full network involved and uncover the ruse. "Stern action will be taken against any individual or group found to be involved in corruption or abuse of power, particularly within enforcement agencies linked to national security and sovereignty," he said. The state MACC said the people should come forward to provide any information related to corrupt practices in the public or private sector.
