Pix by Wan Nabil Nasir
LANGKAWI: Langkawi Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd will provide additional night ferry services during school holidays and Visit Kedah Year 2025, depending on demand.
Its general manager, Captain Dr Baharin Baharom, said the company had obtained approval from the Marine Department to operate night services.
He said these services would commence only if there was significant demand or if daytime sailings were deemed unsafe.
"Night ferry services can operate without time limitations, especially since next year marks Visit Kedah Year 2025.
"I've been informed by the contractor that dredging work will be completed by the end of February next year.
"We hope this will be finalised before the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima '25), scheduled from May 20 to 24 next year."
Baharin added that while this week marked an extended school holiday, the company would assess conditions.
"If daytime sailings are unsafe due to low tides and navigational risks, night services will be made available.
"For night operations, the water level must be at least 1.5 metres to ensure safe passage, and for daytime sailings, 1.2 metres is sufficient. If the tide is too low, sailings cannot proceed."
Baharin hoped for the construction of wider jetties to accommodate more ferries and increase service frequency.
"Larger parking areas at the jetty would enhance operational efficiency."
During this school holiday period, Baharin said, the company was prepared to maximise its ferry services.
However, he raised concerns about the passenger waiting areas at the Kuala Perlis and Kuala Kedah jetties, where passengers often sit outdoors, sparking complaints on social media due to heat or other inconveniences.
It was reported that Langkawi ferry operators had assured the state government of additional night services between Kuala Kedah and Langkawi during Lima '25. (hyperlink: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nst.com.my/amp/news/nation/2024/12/1150...)
State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin said the initiative aimed to boost tourism activities in Kedah during Visit Kedah Year 2025.