THE Penang government will look into ways to support the Japanese consulate in Penang to mark the 40th anniversary of the ‘Look East Policy’ next year.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state could consider organising, co-organising or support the consulate.
The ‘Look East Policy’ was introduced by then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1982.
Outgoing Japanese ambassador Hiroshi Oka said the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia was keen to highlight most of the achievements which had developed since then, such as exchange and study programmes, economic and business developments, and infrastructure.
“It is time for us to look back on the achievements after 40 years. We can also look at future collaborations,” Oka told Chow during a courtesy visit in Komtar today.
He also congratulated Penang government for its latest recognition – the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve (PHBR) listing by Unesco under its Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programe.
“It is a prestigious recognition. It will enhance the credentials of Penang and its attractiveness to tourists,” Oka said.
He added that he had the chance to experience Penang Hill, The Habitat Penang Hill, and The TOP Rainbow Skywalk during this visit.
He was happy to see visitors returning to those places of attraction.
Chow said the Penang Hill funicular train, which was running at 70% capacity in view of physical distancing, recorded over 5,000 passengers yesterday (Nov 1).
“That would work up to about 8,000 passengers per day if it was running at 100% capacity. It was what we normally achieved per day during weekends or holidays then.
“On normal days, the funicular train used to record 3,000 to 4,000 passengers per day,” he said.
Chow said that the state was trying to create space on Penang Hill for visitors to be comfortable while waiting for their turn to take the funicular train.
“We want to make their visit more comfortable and pleasant,” he added.
Before leaving, Oka expressed his appreciation to Chow and the Penang government for their support towards the Japanese community in the state.
“Thanks to the support from the Penang government, none of the Japanese in Penang had passed away due to Covid-19. These few years have been challenging,” he said.
Also present were Oka’s wife Rieko Oka, consul-general of Japan in Penang Hiroyuki Orikasa, and the Embassy of Japan political section officer Kana Masabuchi.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi