THE first international chartered flight flown from Medan, Indonesia to Penang International Airport (PIA) on Friday for medical tourism purposes proceeded as usual after being subjected to the necessary standard operating procedure (SOP), says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
“If they can comply with the SOP and receive the clearance, then it is allowed now,” Chow said.
Asked whether it was the right time for them to come in after a few Covid-19 cases were recorded in the last few days, Chow responded that this could be reviewed from time to time.
He added that he did not have further information on when more Indonesian medical tourists would be arriving.
Chow was commenting after being asked by a reporter about the flight from Medan to Penang on Friday.
It was reported that the AirAsia played a pivotal role in the medical tourism sector by providing flight rental services to patients and medical tourists from Indonesia to seek treatment and healthcare in the country.
Meanwhile, Chow also said that the local authorities in the state could only provide updates on SOP compliance.
“Any update related to Covid-19 cases can be obtained from the Health Ministry and relevant authorties,” he added.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Alvie Cheng