Discussion on restarting the Malaysian cruise line is deadlocked
According to local officials, Malaysia’s efforts to restart the cruise industry using a similar model to Singapore continue, but progress has been slow. Its purpose is to provide an important source of income for the port and local residents' leisure activities.
Before the outbreak, cruise ships that did not go anywhere were a large part of the domestic cruise industry. Local officials estimate that in 2019, two-thirds of the more than 1 million passengers were attracted by casino cruises departing from the Penang Cruise Terminal.
According to the Malaysian Reserve, after receiving feedback from the Penang and Port Klang cruise terminals and cruise companies, the Penang Port and Port Klang Authority submitted a joint proposal to the Ministry of Transport . Although the development of the plan is reviewed and discussed at the national level, including the National Security Council, Tourism, Arts and Culture, and the Department of Health, the newspaper reported that the plan appears to be “at a standstill between the port authorities and the federal government. Discussion has been put on hold."
Similar to Singapore, the plan is seen as a test to restore tourism in the area. It will adopt many restrictions that have been used in Singapore, including restricting the number of passengers on ships and restricting passengers to only Malaysians. There is no timetable for Malaysia to allow international cruise ships to return to the port.
In November and December last year, Singapore allowed Genting World Dream and Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas to resume short cruises without going anywhere. Passengers are required to be tested for COVID-19 before boarding and to maintain precautions while boarding, including social distancing and use of face masks. Passengers also agreed to use tracking devices to allow cruise ships and officials to identify close contacts during the trip.
Singapore’s tourism and health authorities believe that the agreement developed in coordination with DNV GL is working well. In early December, there was a "Koved Panic" aboard the "Quantum of the Seas". The ship immediately initiated a first-level blockade and returned to Singapore. The passengers and crew complied with the agreement, and the contract tracking device allowed them to isolate anyone who might have been in contact with a suspected case. Follow-up testing at a Singapore hospital showed that the passenger was not infected with the COVID-19 virus.
A source from Malaysia told the newspaper that there is no timetable for the conclusion of negotiations with the government. They still hope to obtain a permit in early 2021 to restart the limited cruise business.