State Tourism, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Tan Kar Hing said that the preparations to turn Pulau Pangkor into a duty-free island is now almost completed to be initiated on Jan 1, 2020.

Tan said that it was the stand of the state government that alcohol be not listed as a tax-free item on Pulau Pangkor currently. However, based on logical factors he said the policy may be reviewed if there was demand.

He said the state government had upgraded facilities such as jetties, landscape and lighting.

He told a media conference after a Selangor Persona Tour Programme that “All preparations are proceeding according to schedule and I am confident on Jan 1, 2020, visitors will be able to buy duty-free goods,’’ .

Tan said Perak expected a 3-5% hike in the number of tourists to the state next year.

Meanwhile, Selangor Tourism and Culture, Malay Civilisation and Heritage Committee chairman Abdul Rashid Asari, who was also present, said Selangor targeted the arrival of eight million tourists next year.

He added “As of September this year, Selangor had recorded 5.38 million tourists, a 4% increase compared with the same period last year,’’.