ALOR STAR: Langkawi ferry operators have assured the state government that night ferry services will be made available from Kuala Kedah to Langkawi during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima'25) 2025.
State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin said the measure aims to further boost the state's tourism industry in conjunction with Visit Kedah Year 2025 (VK2025).
Currently there are no night ferry services between the popular resort island of Langkawi with the mainland. Lima'25 will be held next May in Langkawi Island.
Salleh said the ferry operators had also pledged not to increase ticket prices during the period.
"We hope the transport ministry will also support ferry operators, whether through diesel subsidies or other forms of aid, to ensure the sustainability of their services.
"Operators have also assured us of their readiness to deploy smaller ferries for daily commutes to Langkawi and facilitate movements during Lima'25, including night operations if necessary.
"With the cooperation of all parties, I am confident Kedah's tourism sector will continue to thrive," he said during a press conference after opening the Kedah Gotong-Royong Perdana programme today.Also present at the event was State Secretary Datuk Seri Norizan Khazali.
Salleh also urged all stakeholders in the tourism sector to act responsibly to avoid disrupting the state government's efforts to promote the industry."I have previously emphasised that raising ferry ticket prices would negatively affect hurt Kedah's attempt to boost the tourism industry.
"Thankfully, the fare hike was rescinded following advice from the Transport Ministry and the state government," he added.
On Sunday, Ferry Line 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.
In response, Transport Minister Anthony Loke urged the company to retract the announcement or risk losing access to subsidised diesel.
Loke called on the ferry operator to engage with the ministry to find a suitable solution. The ferry operator later retracted the plan to increase the Langkawi ferry ticket fares for domestic users.