SEPANG, 24 September 2024 — Passengers on board flight OD667 arrived at Penang International Airport today from Kunming, China and were welcomed by YBhg. Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin, Deputy Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, along with representatives from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and Batik Airlines.

This new route of Batik Air’s charter service will operate weekly, utilising Boeing 737-8 aircraft with a capacity of 189 passengers. It signifies a strategic move to tap into the growing tourism market of China’s second-tier cities, offering enhanced connectivity to Malaysia.

“The Kunming-Penang route provides an exciting opportunity for Chinese tourists to explore Malaysia’s diverse attractions. From the breathtaking views of Penang Hill and the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur to the pristine beaches of Langkawi, as well as the rich cultural heritage of Melaka and Malaysia’s delectable cuisine, there is something for everyone,” said YBhg. Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin.

The introduction of visa-free entry for Chinese travellers, effective 1 December 2023 until 31 December 2026, has spurred inquiries and bookings to Malaysia from China. As of June 2024, Malaysia has welcomed 1,449,711 arrivals from China, representing a remarkable growth of 190.8% compared to the same period in 2023.

Tourism Malaysia remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering strategic partnerships with domestic and international airlines. This new route is expected to significantly drive further growth of Malaysia’s tourism sector and attract more visitors from China.

About Tourism Malaysia

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. It focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination. Since its inception, it has emerged as a major player in the international tourism scene.

The next Visit Malaysia Year, set to take place in 2026, will commemorate the sustainability of the nation's tourism industry, which is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).

Furthermore, Tourism Malaysia actively endorses the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), working towards the realisation of the IMT-GT Visiting Year 2023-2025, with the shared aim of promoting the region as a unified tourism destination. For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok.

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