KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Ministry has discussed with the Finance Ministry on the targeted diesel subsidies for ferry operators, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He said the subsidy aims to support ferry operators, allowing them to continue their services while keeping ticket prices affordable for the public.
While the Finance Ministry had no objections to the initiative in principle, Loke said he still needs an official letter from the ministry to formally confirm the subsidy for ferry operators.
"There are indeed losses (faced by ferry operators), and we want to help them.
"We are trying to secure diesel subsidy for the operators, and the Transport Ministry has already discussed this with the Finance Ministry.
"I believe we will have some good news to announce soon," Loke said in his winding-up speech for the 2025 Budget debate in the Dewan Rakyat today.
If the subsidy for the group is granted, it would be distributed fairly across all ferry operators, including those operating in Tioman, Sabah, and Langkawi, he said.
"We are fighting for this, and we truly want to convince the Finance Ministry that we are trying to rationalise subsidies, and these operators must be assisted because they provide essential services.
"Without subsidies, no ferry operators would want to operate.
"For example, if there is no ferry service from Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis to Langkawi, the network will be cut off, and people will be stranded," he said.