LANGKAWI: Some 5,000 residents in Pulau Tuba and Pulau Dayang Bunting here are pleading for the government to resolve the petrol supply crisis that began a month ago.
Pulau Tuba resident Norain Che Hamzah, 38, said the issue was affecting people's livelihood as most island residents were coastal fishermen.
"Since last month, fishermen here had to fork out a lot of money, including for boat and car rental, and waste a lot of time to buy petrol from Kuah town.
"The boat fare from Pulau Tuba to Kuah is RM10. Then we have to pay RM10 for a cab to get to the petrol station."
She said island residents, most of whom are low-income earners, hoped the authorities would swiftly resolve the issue.
Van and motorcycle rental operator Mohd Senapi Ishak, 66, said his operation costs had increased as he had to buy 24 litres of petrol form Kuah daily in the past month.
"I have to pay RM10 to the transporter on top of the RM100 for the petrol from Kuah.
"It is a hassle, but I have to bear with the cost to keep the business going."
Fisherman Ratu Mansor, 48, said the situation had disrupted fishing in Pulau Tuba and Pulau Dayang Bunting.
"We hope the government will take immediate action to resolve this petrol supply issue."
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry state director Muhammad Nizam Jamaludin said action had been taken to address the issue.
"We are in the final process (of documentation). The petrol supply issue in Pulau Tuba is expected to be resolved by next week."