Loke touts Kuantan Port’s potential as home port for cruise ships

 

Transport minister Loke Siew Fook said Kuantan Port is strategically located along cruise ship routes in the South China Sea. (Kuantan Port pic)

KUANTAN: 

Kuantan Port has the potential to be developed into a home port for cruise ships in the east coast.

This could create an economic spillover for the country and local community, says transport minister Loke Siew Fook.

He said cruises have high economic value as travellers would stay and spend in places these ships visit, which is why the ministry was actively promoting the industry.

“Most cruise liners have their home port in Singapore. We have the intention or plan to attract these cruise companies to have their home port in Malaysia.

“Of course, our most strategic ports are Port Klang, the Port Klang Cruise Terminal, Penang Port and Penang’s Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal.

“But on the east coast, we do not yet have a dedicated cruise terminal and we see Kuantan Port as the most strategic port (for cruise ships).

So, I have suggested that Kuantan Port explore how they can develop the necessary facilities.

Loke said Kuantan Port was strategically located along cruise ship routes in the South China Sea, particularly from Singapore to Bangkok and Vietnam, before returning to Singapore.

“Currently, when they head (from Singapore) to Bangkok, there is no port in between where they can stop. So, Kuantan is the most strategic.

“What is needed are upgrades of some facilities (at Kuantan Port) for a passenger terminal and to establish a customs, immigration and quarantine complex.

“To succeed, it will require not just the efforts of the ministry and Kuantan Port, but also the cooperation of the state government, particularly Tourism Pahang, to promote the state to cruise companies.

“If they dock here, what will be the attractions? Usually, these cruise ships dock for 10 to 12 hours.

So, there needs to be a schedule or activities to fill their time. If these can be promoted, I am confident cruise liners will be interested.

Loke previously said a technical committee had been formed with the tourism, arts, and culture ministry to accelerate the growth of Malaysia’s cruise industry. - FMT