Anthony Loke: Port Klang as first international cruise homeport will boost country’s economic growth
KLANG, Jan 19 — Port Klang as Malaysia’s homeport for international cruises will attract foreign tourists and help boost the economic growth of the country, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He said the difference between a homeport and a port of call is that as a homeport, the passengers will have to embark and disembark on a cruise from the port.
“From a tourism point of view, it is important because it will attract foreign tourists to come to Malaysia, they probably need to stay for a few days and visit other places,” he told reporters here, today.
He said this milestone will also prompt the collaboration between the ministry and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) to further enhance the country as a homeport destination.
He added that the Costa Serena cruise is tapping into the enormous potential of the halal market to establish Malaysia as a beacon for culturally sensitive cruise tourism.
“This is to make it easier for Muslim travellers to dine in on the cruise without any worries as they will have options for halal restaurants.
“Most of the international cruises do not have halal restaurants so it is difficult for them,” he said.
He further said that the collaborative effort between Costa Cruises and Hwajing Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd promises enduring economic benefits and lasting advantages for the nation.
He also said that he extended unwavering support for such ventures which perfectly aligns with the Madani Economy aspiration as well as Visit Malaysia year 2026.
“This positions Malaysia as a regional leader in job creation within the cruise industry and is also a shot in the arm for supporting sectors such as accommodation, dining, transportation, and retail,” he said.
Loke said he will be going to Miami for the World Cruise Conference to promote Malaysia as the homeport for cruise liners.
