THE air vaccinated travel lane (VTL) programme between Penang and Singapore is expected to commence in the middle of March, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said.

He said the authorities have in principle agreed with the implementation of the Penang-Singapore VTL and at the moment, all preparations, including at Penang International Airport (PIA), are proceeding smoothly.

“Presently, we understand the air VTL between Penang and Singapore would be begin from the middle of March and I have been informed that the authorities have given the green light for the VTL programme.   

“Preparations are underway, including at PIA, to receive the flights via the programme,” he said at the ESCAPE Penang water theme park today.

Earlier, Yeoh launched the Pepsi Escape Challenge at the longest water slide in the world as one of the new attractions at the water park. Also present was Sim Leisure Group founder and chief executive officer, Sim Choo Kheng.

On Monday, Yeoh, who visited PIA was reported as saying Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd had carried out detailed preparations at the airport to ensure VTL flights between Penang and Singapore would proceeded smoothly.

The planning included determining the aerobridge and special path for passengers to disembark and PIA has also set up a medical laboratory for Covid-19 screening.

The VTL between Changi International Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA ) began on November 29 last year. – Bernama, March 3, 2022.