Previously, we shared how Langkawi ferry operators announced a fare price hike of up to RM10.50 starting 1 January 2025.
This prompted Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook to issue a stern warning against ferry operators that increase their fares nationwide that they’ll be ineligible for diesel subsidies from the Federal Government.
Langkawi ferry operator cancels fare hike for Malaysian citizens
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Accordingly, Langkawi ferry operator Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd has since issued a statement addressing the matter, announcing that it has CANCELLED the proposed fare hike for Malaysian citizens.
However, the fare hikes will remain in place for foreign tourists using its ferry service between Kuala Kedah and Langkawi, as well as between Kuala Perlis and Langkawi.
In the brief statement, the General Manager of Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd Kapten Tc. Dr Hj Baharin bin Baharom PPS, PPA, NAM said that the decision to cancel the fare hike for Malaysian citizens was made after receiving advice from the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Kedah State Government.
Only foreign tourists will be affected by the fare hike
This means that the price hike will only affect foreign tourists starting next year. For adult foreign tourists, the ticket prices will increase by RM8 for a one-way journey between Kuala Perlis and Langkawi and a fare hike of RM10.50 for a one-way journey from Kuala Kedah to Langkawi.
For foreign tourists in the children category, the ticket price hike is RM5.50 for a one-way journey between Kuala Perlis and Langkawi, while the Kuala Kedah and Langkawi journey sees an RM6.50 increase.
Loke had warned ferry operators about increasing their fare hikes for locals and domestic tourists
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In a statement, the Transport Minister expressed disappointment at ferry operators for increasing the fare hike and warned them that any ferry operators won’t be eligible to get diesel subsidies if they continue to increase fare prices, especially for locals and domestic tourists.
He further stressed that it is better for these ferry operators to retract their announcement immediately and urgently consult with MOT, as they have just gotten an agreement in principle from the Ministry of Finance (MOF) to provide diesel subsidies to ferry operators at main islands nationwide.
So, what do you guys think of the whole situation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
This post first appeared on WORLD OF BUZZ.