Free ‘flight’ for foldable bicycles

GEORGE TOWN: Tourism Malaysia is in talks with local airlines to do away with extra charges if passengers wanted to bring their foldable bicycles with them on their travels.

Its director (advertising division) Datuk Abdul Khani Daud said they were in discussions with several local airlines for such bicycles to be included under the sports equipment category, in which there will be no additional cost.

“This will encourage and promote cycling activities among more people especially if they are travelling elsewhere. We hope to promote cycling worldwide. “Like golf sets which does not incur extra cost to be brought on board, we want bicycles to be exempted too.

“We have spoken to Japan Airlines about this proposal and they seem interested. For the local airlines, we are still working on it,” he said during the launch of Tourism Malaysia’s “Countryside Bicycle Packages” in Balik Pulau yesterday.

Some 300 cyclists participated in a bike ride around Balik Pulau in conjunction with the launch. Abdul Khani added that presently only Garuda Airlines offered free allowance for sports equipment including foldable bicycles.

On the new packages offering guided bicycle tours in Balik Pulau and Teluk Bahang, he said it would help to promote the two places as tourist destinations. Priced between RM79 and RM419 per person, the packages are being offered by five travel agencies in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia.

Abdul Khani said RM450,000 was generated between May and December last year for Cuti-cuti 1Malaysia’s Bicycle and Trishaw Packages in George Town.
“Now, with this second phase being launched in Balik Pulau, we hope that the income generated will be higher,” he said.

Pulau Betong assemblyman Muhamad Farid Saad, who was also present, said Balik Pulau had much to offer as those who visit the area would experience the community lifestyle there. “There are padi fields, oil palm plantations, beaches, pigeon farms and chalets on hills,” he said, adding that the lifestyle in Balik Pulau was already a tourism product.
-thestar online.