Ferry terminal in Kukup may undergo upgrade

Kukup International Ferry Terminal in Pontian is one of the main entry points into Johor from Indonesia. — Filepic

JOHOR government is reviewing a proposal to upgrade Kukup International Ferry Terminal to boost the local economy in Pontian.

Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad said this was in line with the state’s plan to turn Kukup into a tourism hub that is on par with other entry points of Johor.

“Other developments that could be considered for the area include a duty-free complex and hotels.

“The complex could also be used for other purposes beyond housing customs and immigration, ” he said before presenting temporary occupation licence (TOL) exemption to fish breeders in Kukup near Pontian.

Hasni said since the jetty next to Desaru had been proposed for a duty-free zone, the same could be done in Kukup.

“If there are three-to-five-star hotels near the other entry points in the state, why not Kukup?

“At the same time, we will ensure that developments are done without changing the existing attractions in the area, which is known for its fish breeding activities.

“We want to keep such traditional activities alive, which is why the state government has also agreed to extend the TOL leasing period for Kukup fish breeders as we believe this industry can continue pulling in tourists and improve the local economy, ” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Primary Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng, who was also present at the event, thanked the state government for helping fish breeders in Ayer Masin and Kukup.

“Aside from exempting offshore fish breeders from having to payTOL from 2013 to 2020, the state government has agreed to reduce the TOL rate from 50sen per sq ft to 20sen per sq ft from this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The rate is the lowest in the country and is meant to lessen the fish breeders’ burden, ” he said.

Wee, who is also Tanjung Piai MP, added that the pandemic had impacted all aspects of people’s lives, which was why they should register for the national Covid-19 immunisation programme.

He said other than registering via the MySejahtera app, the public can do so on the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access Guarantee (JKJAV) official website or by calling the National Covid-19 Registration Vaccination Line at 1800-888-828.

“Alternatively, the public can head to my service centre for assistance as we want to ensure that everybody in Pontian has registered for the vaccination programme, ” he said.