Kuala Perlis-Satun Sea Route To Reopen Early Next Year

KANGAR, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- The sea route from Kuala Perlis to Satun, Thailand, is expected to be reopened to tourists early next year once issues related to approval and technical coordination are finalised between the state government, the Marine Department and Thai authorities.

Perlis Tourism, Arts and Culture and Rural Development Committee chairman Abu Bakar Hamzah said that, so far, there are no restrictions from the Malaysian authorities, adding that the committee is awaiting feedback from the Thai government before operations begin.

"After getting the approval (from the Thai government), the state government will write to the Home Ministry (KDN) regarding its intention to resume this operation as part of the Malaysia-Thailand tourism policy.

"We expect this operation to start early next year once work to repair Bangunan Konkos (old terminal), the ticketing system coordination and the boat mooring site are completed,” he told reporters today.

Abu Bakar said the Kuala Perlis-Satun sea route was temporarily halted during the COVID-19 pandemic and was never officially closed, adding that it is still being used by local fishermen for fish landing activities.

He added that the ferry service on this route will be operated by Koperasi TUBA Langkawi (KOPTUBAS), which previously managed ferry services in the area, while the fare and taxes will be determined after the cooperative submits proposals to the state government for further review.

-- BERNAMA