STATE Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai has reaffirmed Penang’s commitment to strengthening tourism collaboration with India, highlighting the deep historical and cultural ties that continue to shape the state’s identity today.
Speaking at the India–Malaysia Tourism Roadshow, Wong said Penang’s relationship with India extends far beyond tourism, rooted in centuries of trade, culture and people-to-people connections.
“Penang and India share a relationship that goes far beyond tourism. Our connection is deeply rooted in history, culture, trade, and people-to-people ties that span generations,” he said.
According to Wong, traces of these historical links remain visible throughout the streets of George Town, a Unesco World Heritage Site.
He noted that street names such as Madras Lane, Tamil Street and Malabar Street serve as reminders of the longstanding presence and contributions of the Indian community in Penang, while Tamil road signs across the state continue to reflect the enduring cultural heritage.
“This shared heritage has shaped Penang into the vibrant and multicultural destination that it is today,” he added.
Wong also highlighted the growing potential of the Indian tourism market, noting that India’s expanding middle class and dynamic travel sector present tremendous opportunities for Penang.
Connectivity, he said, plays a crucial role in unlocking this potential.
Currently, Indian carrier IndiGo operates direct flights between Chennai and Penang, strengthening the travel corridor between southern India and the state.
Since its launch in December 2024, the route has recorded more than 770 flights and carried over 100,000 passengers between the two destinations by the end of 2025, reflecting strong demand from the Indian market.
Wong added that discussions are underway to further expand connectivity.
“I had the opportunity to visit Chennai in January, where I met with the management of IndiGo to explore the potential for a Bengaluru–Penang connection, which will further enhance accessibility and bring Penang closer to another major Indian technology and economic hub,” he said.
Such routes, he added, will not only facilitate tourism but also strengthen business, cultural and educational exchanges between both regions.
On the cultural front, Wong noted that Indian heritage remains an integral part of Penang’s social fabric.
Earlier this year, the Penang government officially recognised Thaipusam as State Heritage, acknowledging its deep cultural and religious significance to the community.
He also congratulated India on the recognition of Deepavali as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by Unesco.
Meanwhile, Deputy High Commissioner of India to Malaysia Hitesh Jogenderlal Rajpal said Penang occupies a special place in the story of India–Malaysia relations.
“Long before modern diplomacy, Penang was a confluence of civilisations. Indian traders, financiers and labourers were among its earliest and most consequential inhabitants,” he said.
Rajpal noted that historic landmarks such as the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the cultural enclave of Little India and the iconic Kapitan Keling Mosque continue to reflect the deep-rooted Indian presence in Penang.
He added that the recognition of George Town as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2008 underscores the extraordinary multicultural heritage of the city, with India’s contribution forming a central part of that legacy.
On the broader bilateral front, Rajpal said tourism ties between both countries have reached historic levels, especially after relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the state visit of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to India in August 2024.
He noted that visa liberalisation and improved connectivity have significantly boosted tourism flows.
“In 2025, Indian tourist arrivals to Malaysia crossed 1.5 million, while around 300,000 Malaysians travelled to India during the same period,” he said.
With Visit Malaysia 2026 on the horizon, Rajpal expressed confidence that the momentum in tourism cooperation between both countries will continue to grow.
He added that initiatives such as enhanced flight connectivity and a soon-to-be operational digital payment linkage between India’s UPI system and Malaysia’s DuitNow platform will further strengthen travel convenience and deepen people-to-people connections between the two nations.
Story and pix by Kevin Vimal