Diesel Subsidy For Ferry Operators Brings Relief To Users

ALOR SETAR, Jan 4 (Bernama) -- The government’s decision to implement a diesel subsidy for ferry and passenger boat operators on the main islands effective Jan 1 has brought relief to regular users of those services.

A teacher, Mohd Hilmi Mahmud, 39, said the government’s initiative to provide subsidies would help prevent sudden hikes in ticket prices by ferry operators.

“A price increase will burden frequent users like myself, as I travel from Langkawi to Perlis every week,” he told Bernama.

The teacher, who works on the duty-free island, expressed his appreciation for the government’s prudent decision, which demonstrates that the voices of the grassroots are being heard.

“If ferry and boat fares go up, tourist arrivals will also decline, especially among local visitors who might reconsider their trip to Langkawi due to the higher costs,” he said.

For Muhamad Faiz Ahmad Salmi, 37, also a teacher in Langkawi, the subsidy is seen as the right move towards stabilising the prices of ferry services, which will indirectly benefit various sectors.

“This subsidy will not only help stimulate the tourism sector in Langkawi but also ease the financial burden for students and teachers who need to commute between Langkawi and the mainland.

“However, it is crucial for ferry operators to make optimal use of this subsidy. They should prioritise increasing the frequency of trips and improving service quality and facilities, such as providing more comfortable seating, maintaining cleanliness and ensuring safety,” he said.

He added that this initiative would not only enhance passengers’ experience but also support the effectiveness of the ferry service as an essential mode of transportation for locals and tourists.

The government recently announced that a diesel subsidy would be provided to ferry, passenger boat and Roll On Roll Off ferry operators on seven main islands, namely Labuan, Langkawi, Pulau Pangkor, Pulau Ketam, Pulau Tioman, Pulau Redang and Penang.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the price of subsidised diesel would be capped at RM2.50 per litre, with a maximum subsidy rate of 50 sen per litre.

-- BERNAMA