IF there’s one thing that Penang and Melaka have in common is the tourism sector which often catches the eye of many people.
Delegates from the Melaka government, led by its Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Utama Sulaiman Md. Ali, are currently in Penang for the Semarak Tourism Programme and the Melaka Business Matching, Revitalise and Rejuvenate Session 2022.
The programme, which started on June 12, will end on June 14.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed his delight over Melaka’s decision to choose Penang as the preferred destination to organise the said programme, which was aimed at establishing a new strategic partnership in the tourism sector.
“Although Penang and Melaka are seen as competitors in the field of tourism, what’s more notable is that both these states are more complete when they complement one another.
“We may share a lot of common things, but what’s more unique is that Penang (George Town) and Melaka are recognised as Unesco World Heritage Sites.
“This recognition clearly shows that both these states are in the right direction, particularly in the field of tourism.
“The Penang government believes that the Semarak Tourism Programme will be the start of a remarkable partnership while sketching a new landscape to further boost the tourism sector collectively,” Chow said in his speech during the Semarak Tourism Programme and the Melaka Business Matching, Revitalise and Rejuvenate Session 2022 at Royale Chulan Penang in George Town today.
Just like Melaka, Chow said part of Penang’s economy is driven by its tourism activities.
“We had our difficult period when Covid-19 struck us, dampening most of our tourism-related activities; and we were put through various uncertainties due to the various types of movement control orders (MCOs) that were imposed.
“Covid-19 made us realise how important it was to embrace digitalisation when we were all barred to have any sort of face-to-face events.
“We accelerated the digital platforms and many interactive tourism packages were offered for local and international tourists.
“We are truly excited to embark on this journey of strengthening the tourism arm with Melaka, as we also share very similar heritage values,” Chow added.
Meanwhile, Sulaiman said he was impressed with the work done by Chow and his team in staging Penang as one of the most preferred tourist destinations in Malaysia for its unique, attractive places that cannot be missed.
“Melaka and George Town are two key places that have captured the hearts of many people due to their Unesco recognition.
“From the stunning reception to the many amazing places we have visited so far, I am truly impressed with what Penang can bring to its visitors.
“I have my teams from various sub-tourism departments in Melaka here in Penang, and this is a good exposure as we can better understand the techniques and methods used by a different state to lure visitors,” he said.
Also present were Melaka Tourism, Heritage and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis, Melaka State Secretary Datuk Zaidi Johari, Melaka Financial Officer Datuk Salhah Salleh and Tourism Melaka general manager Saari Basiron.
Other distinguished guests include Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad and State Secretary Datuk Dr Ahmad Jailani Muhamed Yunus.
Earlier, Chow received a courtesy call from Sulaiman and his delegation at the hotel VIP room.
Joining Sulaiman were Muhammad Jailani, Zaidi, Salhah and Saari.
Also present were Yeoh, Azhar and Dr Ahmad Jailani.
During the 20-minute session, various issues were discussed such as the tourism sector in both states, Unesco status, land reclamation, tourism products and potential collaboration between the two states, particularly in the tourism aspect.
Story by Riadz Akmal and Kevin Vimal
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar