MV Piano Land luxury cruise ship boosts domestic tourism, attracting foreign visitors and generating economic benefits for Penang and Langkawi
GEORGE TOWN: The luxury cruise ship MV Piano Land is invigorating Malaysia’s tourism sector and boosting local economic activities through its domestic cruise operations.
Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the vessel operates under a full charter model with Port Klang as its main base.
It will operate scheduled cruises to Penang and Pulau Langkawi, offering passengers an exciting experience.
“Although the cruise ship sails within Malaysia, it has still received good demand from foreign tourists, such as Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore,“ he said.
Yeoh added that when tourists are taken to Penang and Langkawi, they go sightseeing and shop, which indirectly helps promote the destinations.
He spoke to reporters after welcoming MV Piano Land passengers at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal.
The 13-deck luxury cruise ship from Hong Kong can carry up to 2,001 passengers and 800 crew members.
It offers Muslim-friendly hospitality and 11 cruises within Malaysia from November 29 to December 25.
Yeoh, who is also the Penang Port Commission chairman, said a total of eight cruises would be “home-porting” departures from Penang.
He stated this brings both tourists and commercial opportunities to stakeholders in the state.
The cruises are the result of continued collaboration between port operators, industry partners and the Transport Ministry.
“The eight ‘home-port’ departures will generate direct and indirect economic benefits for tourism operators, small businesses and the wider supply chain across Penang,“ he said.
Yeoh added that Penang is emerging as a major regional port hub.
Strong projections indicate the Penang Port Commission is expected to handle 679,809 passengers this year.
Passenger numbers are expected to increase by 47% in 2026. – Bernama
