TRANSPORT Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the federal government will leverage the twin engines of the tourism industry in Penang, namely the port and airport, that are expected to increase tourist arrivals and make the state a cargo delivery centre in northern Malaysia.

“I have discussed with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to expand the Penang International Airport so that handling capacity increases almost double to 12 million passengers per year.

“We have asked MAHB to find an immediate approach so that this project can be completed before the next general election,” he said in his opening speech at the Annual Penang DAP Convention 2023 in George Town today.

Besides that, he said the government’s decision to upgrade the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal announced in 2018 also boosted the cruise sector in Penang.

Loke, who is also DAP secretary-general, said the pier upgrade project was a manifestation of his ministry’s move to make the state a “homeport” for international shipping companies.

Furthermore, he said port and airport are seen as two crucial factors in the economic strength of an island.

“Developing these twin engines is also important to support the electronics industry in Penang,” he added. – Bernama, November 19, 2023.