Latest news with #YeohSoonHin
Malay Mail
30-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Penang to Xi'an flights set for June return, KL route in the works, says Tourism Malaysia
GEORGE TOWN, May 30 — The direct Penang-Xi'an flight route operated by Loong Air is expected to resume soon, offering a boost to tourism industry players. Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the agency is in close communication with the airline, which is targeting a June resumption. However, the exact date has yet to be confirmed as discussions are ongoing and both parties are closely monitoring market response. 'Loong Air also plans to launch a direct Kuala Lumpur–Xi'an route with three weekly flights. The inaugural flight is expected in late June and is in the application and preparation stage,' he said in a statement today. Yeoh also emphasised Tourism Malaysia's commitment to expanding international flight routes beyond Kuala Lumpur to ensure that all states benefit from Visit Malaysia Year 2026, thereby driving local economic and tourism growth. 'We will continue working with airlines to secure more direct international connections beyond Kuala Lumpur, enabling more tourists to access various parts of Malaysia directly,' he added. — Bernama
The Star
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Tourism players encouraged to offer niche packages for Visit Malaysia 2026
Golfing is one of the top trending niche tourism products that many destinations around the world are promoting. — Pixabay Tourism Malaysia has encouraged all states to introduce new tourism packages, including niche interest-based options, in preparation for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). Its deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said this initiative is crucial to attract both domestic and international tourists, while positioning Malaysia as a preferred travel destination. 'To ensure VM2026 succeeds, I urge all parties to support this campaign as a national mission by introducing new tourism products in their respective states. 'Priority should be given to preparing for domestic and international visitors by improving infrastructure, cleanliness, and developing new tourism packages, including those based on special interests,' he told reporters after officiating the Tourism Malaysia Engagement Session with Penang's tourism industry players recently. Yeoh added that such packages would not only diversify Malaysia's tourism offerings but also attract travellers with specific interests such as ecotourism, health tourism, cultural heritage, and agritourism. He emphasised the need to improve connectivity from second- and third-tier cities through strategic collaboration with the Transport Ministry and airline companies to increase routes and flight frequencies from key markets. The Penang engagement session was the 11th one held, following similar sessions done in Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Sabah, Sarawak, Melaka, Pahang, Perak, and Kedah. These sessions aim to provide a platform for stakeholders to share ideas and strengthen preparations for VM2026. Yeoh said the campaign aligns with Malaysia's role as Asean chair this year, presenting an opportunity not only to showcase the nation's tourism appeal but also to demonstrate our leadership in regional tourism development. He said that the Asean Tourism Forum held in Johor in January marked the beginning of Malaysia's international tourism promotion. The country will also host two major global events – the World Tourism Conference and World Tourism Day – in Melaka this September. As of February, Malaysia recorded 6.7 million foreign arrivals, a 31.3% increase compared to the same period last year. The government has set a target of 45 million tourist arrivals and RM270bil in tourism revenue for 2025. 'A total of RM400mil has been allocated for the VM2026 campaign, covering marketing, promotion, and the organisation of key events. In addition, RM130mil in grants will support tourism industry growth through initiatives such as the Travel Promotion Matching Grant, Tourism Sector Support Grant, and Charter Flight Matching Grant,' he said. – Bernama
Malay Mail
10-05-2025
- Malay Mail
Free Penang ferry rides this Wesak Day, says port commission
GEORGE TOWN, May 10 — The Penang Port Commission (SPPP) and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) have announced free ferry services for all Malaysians in conjunction with the Wesak Day celebration on May 12. SPPP chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the free fares involve both directions from Sultan Abdul Halim Pier (PSAH) on the mainland (Butterworth) to Raja Tun Uda Pier (PRTU) on the island and vice-versa. He said the free fare covers both directions between the two terminals. 'The first trip from PSAH starts at 6.30 am and the last trip is at 11 pm to the island, while from Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda, the first trip begins at 7 am and the last trip is at 11.30 pm to the mainland. 'The public is advised to plan their journey in advance and refer to the latest ferry schedule through the official websites and social media pages of SPPP and PPSB,' he said in a statement tonight. Yeoh explained that the free ferry service is not only aimed at reducing traffic congestion in Penang but also at encouraging more sustainable and efficient public transportation. Meanwhile, Yeoh shared statistics from last year's Wesak Day ferry service, which recorded more than 4,391 foot passengers and 1,584 two-wheeled vehicles using the service. He added that this contributed to the total number of foot passengers in 2024, which reached 2.13 million, along with 747,785 two-wheeled vehicle passengers. — Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
09-05-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
Free ferry services in Penang for Wesak day
Ferry services between Butterworth and George Town will be free of charge on Wesak Day (May 12). (Bernama pic) GEORGE TOWN : Ferry services across the Penang channel will be free of charge on Wesak Day (May 12), the Penang Port Commission announced. PPC chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the free services will be for both directions, from Butterworth to George Town and vice versa, and will run from 6.30am to 11.30pm. He said the free ferry service is aimed at reducing traffic congestion in Penang island, but also at encouraging the use of more sustainable and efficient public transport. He said the ferry service on Wesak Day last year recorded more than 4,391 foot passengers and 1,584 two-wheeled vehicles using the service.
New Straits Times
09-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Free ferry ride on Wesak Day in Penang
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Port Commission (SPPP) and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) have announced free ferry services for all Malaysians in conjunction with the Wesak Day celebration on May 12. SPPP chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the free fares involve both directions from Sultan Abdul Halim Pier (PSAH) on the mainland (Butterworth) to Raja Tun Uda Pier (PRTU) on the island and vice-versa. He said the free fare covers both directions between the two terminals. "The first trip from PSAH starts at 6.30 am and the last trip is at 11 pm to the island, while from Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda, the first trip begins at 7 am and the last trip is at 11.30 pm to the mainland. "The public is advised to plan their journey in advance and refer to the latest ferry schedule through the official websites and social media pages of SPPP and PPSB," he said in a statement tonight. Yeoh explained that the free ferry service is not only aimed at reducing traffic congestion in Penang but also at encouraging more sustainable and efficient public transportation. Meanwhile, Yeoh shared statistics from last year's Wesak Day ferry service , which recorded more than 4,391 foot passengers and 1,584 two-wheeled vehicles using the service. He added that this contributed to the total number of foot passengers in 2024, which reached 2.13 million, along with 747,785 two-wheeled vehicle passengers. — BERNAMA
