Citing 100% diesel price increases and the unsustainable current fare structure, ferry operators have reduced Langkawi trips from five to three per day after Raya.
Alor Setar: Langkawi ferry service schedule will be revised after the Adelphitri holidays due to the increase of industrial diesel prices by more than 100%.
Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd general manager Dr Baharin Bahrom said the restructuring is needed to reduce the risk of losses for operators.
The current fare of 88 sen per nautical mile is much lower than rates on other major islands such as Pangkor and Tioman, which reach up to RM2 per nautical mile.
The original schedule of five trips per day will be reduced to three as a cost-control measure.
The change also aims to align operations with current passenger demand.
Dr Baharin said ferry operators from the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak met with the Transport Ministry on March 17.
They discussed the proposed additional charge in response to higher fuel costs.
“The decision regarding the application has not yet been finalized by the government,” he said.
He highlighted that the price of industrial diesel in Langkawi is higher than other major islands.
Therefore, operators hope that the government will consider a fairer and more sustainable settlement mechanism.
Dr Baharin said the measure was aimed at maintaining the sustainability of the yacht industry.
It also seeks to reduce negative impacts on local tourism.
“We are committed to providing the best service to users,” he said.
He stressed that operational viability must be secured amid increasingly challenging economic conditions.
