Ferry operators to reduce Langkawi trips from five to three daily after Raya, citing a 100% diesel price hike and unsustainable current fare structure.
ALOR SETAR: The Langkawi ferry service schedule will be revised after the Aidilfitri holidays due to industrial diesel prices rising by over 100%.
Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd general manager Dr Baharin Baharom said the restructuring is needed to reduce the risk of losses for operators.
The current fare of 88 sen per nautical mile is significantly lower than rates for other major islands like Pangkor and Tioman, which reach RM2 per nautical mile.
The original schedule of five trips per day will be reduced to three as a cost-control measure.
This change also aims to align operations with current passenger demand.
Dr Baharin said ferry operators from the Peninsula, Sabah, and Sarawak met with the Ministry of Transport on March 17.
They discussed proposed additional charges in response to the higher fuel costs.
“A decision regarding the application has yet to be finalised by the government,” he stated.
He highlighted that the price of industrial diesel in Langkawi is higher than on other major islands.
Therefore, operators hope the government will consider a fairer and more sustainable settlement mechanism.
Dr Baharin said this measure aims to maintain the ferry industry’s sustainability.
It also seeks to minimise negative impacts on local tourism.
“We remain committed to providing the best service to users,” he added.
He stressed that operational viability must be secured amidst increasingly challenging economic conditions.
