ALOR STAR: The Kedah government has welcomed Langkawi Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd's decision to scrap plans to increase ferry ticket fares for Malaysian passengers next year.
State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin said the decision alleviated public concerns over the proposed fare hike, which would have coincided with Visit Kedah Year 2025 (VK2025).
A fare increase could undermine the state government's efforts to promote the tourism industry, he said.
"Alhamdulillah, I personally engaged with the ferry operators to convey the state government's commitment to strengthening Kedah's tourism sector," he told reporters yesterday.
"We encourage all stakeholders in the tourism industry to work together with the state's initiatives and carefully assess the broader effects of their decisions," he said, adding that "a fare hike, for example, could harm VK2025 promotional efforts."
Salleh acknowledged the challenges faced by the ferry operators, including higher costs stemming from the increased minimum wage.
"Following in-depth discussions, the ferry operators responded positively. I was also informed that the Transport Minister plans to introduce diesel subsidies for the operators to mitigate rising operating costs ," he said.
Salleh expressed confidence that the ferry operators would prioritise supporting Kedah's tourism objectives.
"I believe they understand the importance of this. Increasing fares would disrupt our promotional activities, so I urge them to maintain current rates and work closely with us for the benefit of the industry."
"Thus far, they have shown strong cooperation. They assured me that smaller ferries will return to service once dredging works at the ferry terminal, as promised by the Marine Department, are completed in February next year," he said.
"Additionally, for key events such as the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima'25), they assured us of night ferry operations," Salleh added.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Association of Hotels Kedah/Perlis chapter chairman Eugene Dass also applauded the ferry operator's decision, agreeing that a fare increase would hurt tourism and local businesses.
"The tourism sector in Kedah needs all the support it can get," he said.
On Sunday, Ferry Line, the operator of the ferries, had announced plans to increase fares for round trips from Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis to Langkawi by RM3 to RM10.50, effective Jan 1, 2025.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke had also urged the company to withdraw plans to raise ticket prices or risk losing access to subsidised diesel.
Subsequently, the ferry operator retracted its plans to increase Langkawi ferry ticket fares for domestic users.