Malaysia's Penang State Ready To Host More International Sports Events - State Exco

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysian state of Penang is ready to host more international sports and recreational events to promote the island state as the world’s leading tourist destination. Penang State Executive Councillor for Women and Family Development, Gender Inclusiveness, and Non Muslim Religious Affairs, Chong Eng said the sports tourism industry could also introduce tourism products to other countries to practice a healthy lifestyle. “For instance, the Asia Pacific Masters Games 2018 (APMG) scheduled from Sept 7 to 15 is expected to give positive impact to the tourism sector of Penang. “This is backed by the participation of more than 3,000 local and foreign athletes from 61 countries which will be a big boost to the tourism industry in the state,” she told reporters after flagging off the APMG torch run at Federal Territory level here Monday. The ceremony was officiated by Kuala Lumpur City Hall Socio-Economic Development executive director, Ibrahim Yusoff. The 2018 APMG torch run began on April 29 in Sabah followed by Labuan, Sarawak, Langkawi, Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang. About 150 participants comprising 50 cyclists, 50 runners and 50 motorcyclists convoyed with the torch for 11 kilometers around the federal capital. -- BERNAMA