The private sector should be prepared to take advantage of business opportunities that may open up in Malaysia and Penang due to the current civil unrest in Hong Kong, says Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (photo, above).
He said the state has always been a destination for both global and local tourism and businesses.
"It is still too early to say if there are any relocation of residents or businesses to Malaysia, especially Penang," he told reporters in Komtar today, after announcing the inaugural Penang Asian Food and Cultural Festival which will be held Sept 13 to 15.
Chow said in terms of the property market, there seemed to be an increase in interest over Malaysia and Penang from Hong Kongers who were concerned with the chaotic and unrest situation there.
"Penang is always a good destination for such situations, and our private sector must be prepared to embrace such opportunities, especially in the business and property sectors," he added.
Chow was responding to a question about the 10 weeks of violent clashes between police and pro-democracy protesters who have been angered by a perceived erosion of freedom as well as dissatisfaction with Beijing-backed Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who has refused to step down despite intense calls to do so.
Meanwhile, the upcoming Penang Asian Food and Cultural Festival will present various cuisines from Japan, Thailand, China, Indonesia and South Korea in five different venues on the island and mainland.
With a tagline of " Experience Penang, Taste Asia", the festival will be held in Gurney Plaza (Chinese food), Gurney Paragon (Japanese), First Avenue (Thai), Queensbay Mall (Korean) and Sunway Carnival Mall (Indonesian).
The food festival will be officially launched on Sept 10, at 5.30pm at the Hin Bus Depot by Chow and will also feature cultural shows from the participating countries.
The chief minister said the festival will go green in line with the state's call to promote a clean environment.
"Visitors are urged to minimise the usage of plastic bags and straws, bring containers or tiffins as well as reusable cutlery to the event.
"We also encourage visitors to make a difference by picking up after themselves and refraining from littering the venues," he said.
Accompanying Chow at the press conference today was Tourism Development, Culture, Arts and Heritage state executive councillor Yeoh Soon Hin.
Organised by Cake Experiential Communications, other enterprises involved in the event are Boost, as the official e-wallet partner, while Klook, is the official travel partner for the festival and their culinary partner is the Golden Chef Culinary Academy. - Mkini
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