Debating the King’s address in the Dewan Rakyat today, the DAP parliamentarian said the Malaysian Aviation Group had applied for the VTL last year, but the government had yet to respond.

“After Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the Penang International Airport should also have a VTL, given its role as a gateway to the northern region economic corridor.

“This late action by the government (in establishing the VTL) is not only affecting investments in Penang but also those in Kedah, Perlis and northern Perak,” he said.

He also asked whether the government had any plans to open up VTLs between Penang and other strategic destinations around the world, such as China, Taiwan, the US and Europe.

“Of course, when I talk about the issue of VTL and travel bubbles, the government needs to enforce safety measures to ensure that Malaysians are protected from Covid-19,” he said.

Athlete welfare and sports development

On a separate issue, Sim asked for the youth and sports ministry to increase the allocation to Yayasan Kebajikan Atlet Kebangsaan by RM5 million so that it can continue to look after the welfare of athletes.

Besides providing funds, the former deputy youth and sports minister asked the ministry to adopt measures taken by the former Pakatan Harapan government to get new sources of funding for sports development, such as channelling revenue from sugar and gaming taxes and providing tax exemption for corporations sponsoring athletes and tournaments.