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The
Penang Swettenham Pier International Cruise
Terminal will undergo further expansion in the
coming months.
Investors will be invited to submit their
proposals soon, Penang Port Sdn Bhd chairman
Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said.
“By September or October, this new terminal
building will be fully operational. We will have
the Penang Port Commission office, the Customs
Department as well as several food and shopping
outlets occupying the building.
“Future plans include turning the nearby
heritage warehouse buildings into an arts and
craft centre,” he said.
“The 400m stretch from the pier to the Tanjung
City Marina will also be developed. Suggestions
include building a water sports centre and hotel
so that tourists will have something to do when
they disembark.
“We are also planning to re-brand the terminal
which will involve re-naming the place,” he
said, adding that proposals would be called
after further discussions.
Dr Hilmi was speaking to reporters after
visiting the Queen Mary 2, one of the world’s
largest luxury ocean liners, when it made its
maiden call at the pier yesterday.
Describing it as a historic event, he said the
pier’s untapped potential for cruises was vast.
“Since the pier opened in November, we have
welcomed more than 40 local and international
cruise ships.
“We are targeting one million passengers and a
revenue of RM6mil from the cruise industry this
year,” Dr Hilmi said.
Source: The STAR
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