IPOH: The government should review the increase in ferry ticket prices to Pulau Pangkor from Lumut Jetty and Marina Island Jetty which are deemed to be too drastic for a small island resort, says an industry player.
Pangkor Island Hotel and Resort Development Association chairman Mohd Zamzuri Suid said a study should be done to see if there were other ways without imposing too high a price increase as it was burdensome for middle-class tourists.
“Pangkor does not have too many tourist activities like other islands and its duty-free products are also limited.
“If we look at Pulau Langkawi, it possesses various activities including the cable car which is really worth it for tourists to pay high ferry fares,” he said when contacted by Bernama.
According to reports, there was an increase in the price of ferry tickets to Pulau Pangkor from Lumut Jetty and Marina Island Jetty beginning last week, with prices of a one-way ticket up from RM7 to RM10, and RM14 to RM20 for a two-way adult ticket.
The ticket prices for children were raised from RM2.50 to RM5.50 for a one-way ticket and RM5 to RM11 for a two-way fare.
However, residents of the resort island still enjoy the same price of RM6 for a round trip.
Pulau Pangkor Taxi Association chairman Mohammad Apendi Ramli was of the view that the fare increase would not be detrimental or affect tourist arrivals.
“I am confident that tourists will still visit this island despite the price increase but the fare from the Marina Island Jetty should not be equated with ferry travel from the Lumut Jetty.
“Ticket prices from the Marina Jetty should be lower because it only takes about 10 minutes to travel compared to the Lumut Jetty which takes half an hour. Fuel costs are also higher,” he said.
State infrastructure, energy, water and public transport committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun said a meeting would be held with ferry operators and tourism players in Pulau Pangkor.
“I have been planning to hold a meeting because I understand the operators want to increase the fare, and there are complaints from passengers about the ferry schedule.
“We will wait for answers from the community and associations on the problems arising from the price increase to reach the best solution and decide on a win-win situation,” he said.
