PUTRAJAYA: Enhancing cruise port facilities and streamlining tourist clearances are among areas being looked into to make Malaysia favourable to the cruise industry, says Anthony Loke.

The Transport Minister said that these are some of the developments needed to transform Malaysia’s ports into home bases for cruise ships to attract more tourists and boost the economy.

He also said that the cruise industry brought in about 1.5 million tourists in 2023, which shows that there is a need for improvements in this industry.

"Each cruise ship brings thousands of passengers into our country, presenting a significant economic opportunity.

“Our goal is to establish Malaysia as a home port, which will attract more tourists and yield greater economic benefits,” he told reporters after co-chairing the Malaysia Cruise Council with Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

Loke also said that establishing Malaysia as a home port would encourage spillover effects on economic activities involving logistics and tourism.

“If we can encourage the cruise industry to make Malaysia their home ports, there will surely be economic benefits as travellers would use our airports and stay at our hotels,” he added.

Loke said that the meeting on Monday (July 29) agreed on the establishment of a technical committee led by both the Transport Ministry and the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry that would encourage the growth of the industry.

He said this would be achieved through the streamlining of customs, immigration, and quarantine procedures for cruise ship passengers.

“We want to ensure that the movement of passengers can be expedited and we are looking into ways to speed up the clearance process for these passengers,” he said.

Loke added that the use of the Immigration Department’s QR code system will further elevate the experience for cruise tourists.

He also said that existing cruise terminals will be upgraded to increase capacity and will involve Klang, Penang, Langkawi, Melaka, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu.

“While most of these ports have yet to be equipped with cruise facilities, most could cater to cruise ships if adjustments are made.

“Therefore, we encourage each state government that has the potential to receive cruise ships at their ports to promote their areas to foreign visitors,” he said.

Loke said currently only Langkawi, Penang, and Port Klang have dedicated cruise terminals, while others share facilities with cargo ships.

The council also agreed for Malaysia to host Seatrade Cruise Asia in 2026 to draw more cruise companies to establish their home ports in the country.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/29/efforts-underway-to-make-malaysia-favourable-for-cruise-ship-industry-says-loke