LANGKAWI: The management of the Cuti Cuti Langkawi app has been urged to review the RM1 additional fee for online ferry ticket purchases starting next Thursday.
Langkawi Umno Youth chief Mohd Radhi Abdul Rahim said the fee, if implemented, will negatively affect the tourism industry on the island, which is still struggling to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"The implementation of the additional RM1 fee next week, regardless of the reasons given, will hinder government efforts to attract more tourists to the island.
"Postpone and review the pros and cons of this measure, which is feared to be exploited by various parties who claim the cost of traveling to Langkawi is high, causing people to choose other destinations.
"Online purchases accessible at our fingertips should be cheaper, but the Cuti Cuti Langkawi app is imposing a RM1 fee, which burdens users," he said in a statement.
Radhi added that the fee directly raises the ferry fare for each user, burdening both locals and tourists who use the water transport services.
Currently, the ferry fare from Kuala Perlis to Langkawi for Malaysians is RM21 for adults and RM16 for children; while Malaysian passengers boarding the ferry from Kuala Kedah have to pay RM26.50 (adults) and RM20.50 (children).
Previously, it was reported that a service charge of RM1 would be imposed on online ferry ticket purchases through the Cuti Cuti Langkawi app, starting August 15.