LANGKAWI: Just six hours after announcing a fare hike for Malaysian citizens, Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd has retracted its plan to increase ferry ticket prices starting Jan 1, 2025.
Its general manager, Captain Dr Baharin Baharom, said the Langkawi ferry operator decided to cancel the decision following discussions with the Transport Ministry and the state government.
"On the advice of the Transport Ministry and the state government, the fare hike for Malaysian citizens scheduled to take effect on Jan 1, 2025, has been cancelled.
"The fare increase for foreign tourists will proceed as planned," he said in a statement today.
Earlier, Ferry Line announced fare increases for round trips from Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis to Langkawi, ranging from RM3 to RM10.50, effective Jan 1, 2025.
In response, Transport Minister Anthony Loke urged Ferry Line to immediately retract the announcement or risk losing its access to subsidised diesel.
Loke insisted that the ferry operator withdraw the announcement at once and engage with the ministry to discuss the matter further.