Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook has expressed his disappointment at Langkawi ferry operators after the latter announced a hike in ticket prices of up to RM10.50 starting 1 January 2025.
Taking to his official Facebook page, Loke said that the Langkawi ferry operators’ decision to hike prices is very regrettable, as the Ministry of Transport (MOT) had just gotten an agreement in principle from the Ministry of Finance (MOF) on Friday (13 December) to provide diesel subsidies to ferry operators at all main islands nationwide.
Langkawi ferry operators are increasing ticket prices by up to RM10.50 starting next year
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The Transport Minister was referring to an article by Harian Metro, which reported that ferry ticket prices for each journey between Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis and Langkawi will increase by RM3 to RM10.50 starting next year.
The report quoted Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd CEO Leftenan Komander (B) Norhafiz Abdul Wahid as saying that the price hike will involve ticket categories for Malaysian tourists, foreign tourists and locals.
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For Malaysian tourists, the fare will increase by RM3 for a one-way journey between Kuala Perlis and Langkawi and an RM3.50 fare hike for a one-way journey between Kuala Kedah and Langkawi. This price hike affects both adults and children categories.
Meanwhile, 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 between Kuala Kedah and 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.
For Langkawi locals, the ticket prices for both routes increased by RM3 for adults and RM3.50 for children.
Loke warns these ferry operators to retract the announcement or be ineligible for diesel subsidies
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Regarding the ticket price hike, Loke warns 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.
So, what do you guys think of the whole situation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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