PANGKOR: The launch of daily flights to Pulau Pangkor from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang, which will only take 45 minutes in contrast to three hours of driving, will see more tourists to the popular destination soon.

Without citing any target, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the latest option would add to the influx of tourism in Pulau Pangkor by skipping the highway or queue at the existing ferry jetty.

"Imagine, if there is one flight every day, and with more added, the number of visitors to Pulau Pangkor will definitely increase.

"I am confident that through the efforts of various parties, including the airline service of SKS Airways, it will also add economic benefits to the local community," he told a press conference after welcoming the maiden flight from Subang to Pulau Pangkor Airport today.

Also present were state Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport Committee chairman Mohd Zolkafly Harun, SKS Airways director Datuk Fahrul Rohman Ahmad and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir who is also Pangkor assemblyman.

Saarani said based on a report by the Perak Marine Department, the number of tourist arrivals to Pulau Pangkor had recorded an increase starting from 52,487 people in October 2021, to 95,514 in November and rising to 134,808 in December.

"This increase is through the influx of tourists from all over the country who were recorded entering Pulau Pangkor during the third and fourth phases of the National Recovery Plan (PPN) after interstate travelling was allowed.

"This gives confidence that the tourism industry in Pulau Pangkor remains intact and is driving the state's economic recovery," he said.

This positive development shows how the close network of cooperation from all parties whether private agencies or the government can provide excellent synergy in strengthening the reputation of Perak as one of the major tourism sector hubs in Malaysia, he said.

Meanwhile, Saarani during his welcoming speech said the state government had planned several infrastructure projects to ensure the revival of the tourism industry as well as to increase the comfort level of tourists, especially in Pulau Pangkor.

According to Saarani, several projects have been completed including the construction of a waiting area at the Pangkor Jetty, new toilets and surau in Teluk Nipah as well as the development of Kampung Penyu in Teluk Ketapang, Pulau Pangkor.

"Besides that, several other infrastructure projects are underway including the proposal to build a bazaar in Teluk Nipah, construction of an Arena Square, business space and a floating restaurant in Teluk Baharu, here. These projects are expected to be completed next year.

"All these projects are expected to brace Pulau Pangkor for a larger number of tourists in the near future. Tourism Perak received about 100 events from various quarters to be implemented throughout the year and they have been listed in the state event calendar," he added.

SKS Airways is officially launching its inaugural service tomorrow which is expected to fly in more tourists (capacity of 19 passengers including flight crew) directly to Perak, notably Pulau Pangkor.

-- BERNAMA