PENANG AND CHENNAI VOW TO BOOST CROSS-BORDER TOURISM, ENHANCE CULTURAL TIES

From R. Ratcharathan

CHENNAI, March 7 (Bernama) -- Chennai of Tamil Nadu and Penang have pledged to further enhance tourism and cultural exchange while boosting regional connectivity and unlocking economic benefits through increased travel between the two destinations.

 Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister R.Rajendran emphasised the strong cultural bond between India and Malaysia, particularly between Tamil Nadu and Penang, citing a deep historical connection of over 300 years.

“We have 300 to 400 years of bonding, many Tamil Nadu people have worked in Malaysia, including Penang, with some even being referred to as "Penang returnees" when they returned to India.

“On behalf Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (M.K. Stalin) I welcome Malaysians especially Penangites to travel to Tamil Nadu including Chennai to boost the tourism sector,” he said when receiving a courtesy call from Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) director Wong Yuee Harng and PCEB chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekaran in Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Office here.

The courtesy call held in conjunction with a media familiarisation trip to Chennai by PCEB together with a group of 11 media organisations from Penang from March 3 to 6.

Principal Secretary Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments and Chairman Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Dr.Chandra Mohan said Tamil Nadu and Penang hold long history which started since 18th century when de facto rulers of Sivagangai, the Maruthu Pandiyars (Periya Maruthu and Chinna Maruthu) fought against the East India Company in India.

He shared a poignant historical account of Chinna Maruthu's son, M. Doraisamy, who was deported to Penang after being defeated by the British and the same British commander was posted in Penang after many years.

“One day, a very old person went to meet the British. The very old looking guy came and said, do you remember me. The British commander said I can't recognise you, then he replied I am the son of Chinnamardu and tears of commander come down.

“This is found in the British record. These are one of one of the poignant moments of connection, apart from the other business connections as we had links between the freedom struggle of Tamil Nadu and the Penang people,” he said.

Chandra who praised the new direct flight route from Chennai to Penang, launched by IndiGo Airlines on December 21, 2024, said the initiative is expected to boost cross-border tourism and strengthen the bond between the two regions.

Meanwhile, Wong said Penang and Tamil Nadu share a unique bond shaped by history, culture, and shared heritage with Penang city reflecting the connection not only through vibrant festivals such as Deepavali and Thaipusam but also in our rich South Indian culinary traditions and architectural influences. 

Wong who is Pengkalan Kota assemblyman said from Penang’s Little India to the grand temples and colonial-era structures reflect Tamil Nadu’s architectural legacy and visitors from Chennai will find a deep sense of familiarity in Penang.

He said the Chennai-Penang direct flight partnership is a two-way commitment, just as Penang welcomes more visitors from Chennai, the state government also encourage more Malaysians to explore the diverse experiences that Chennai and Tamil Nadu have to offer.

“Tourism is a powerful force that not only boosts our economies but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation between our people. The Penang state government fully supports this initiative and is committed to sustaining and expanding this connectivity.

“Our aim is to ensure long-term collaboration in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, bringing mutual benefits to both regions. We also hope this will contribute to the broader Malaysia-India relationship, reinforcing the strong diplomatic and economic ties between our two countries,” he said.

During the media familiarisation trip, the group visited several iconic locations, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, famous for its ancient rock-cut temples and intricate sculptures, as well as Chennai’s bustling cityscape and Kanchipuram, renowned for its magnificent temples and world-famous silk weaving tradition.

IndiGo launched a new direct flight from Chennai to Penang on Dec 21, which provides a comfortable flying experience with full-flat business class seats and in-flight entertainment systems.

-- BERNAMA