ALOR SETAR: Langkawi residents can now use a free emergency boat service, provided by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), to help transport patients or deceased persons to the mainland.
Persatuan Anak Muda Madani Kedah chairman Datuk Zuraidi Rahim said the initiative was launched in response to the urgent needs of the local community, who usually rely on private boats or fishing vessels that charged them RM800 to RM2,000 per trip.
This placed a significant financial burden on residents, he noted, adding that the charges varied according to the timing and situation.
"I’ve initiated this free service for Langkawi residents to ease this burden,” he said when contacted on Monday (Sept 29).
The service includes two emergency boats, which will operate in compliance with safety guidelines set by the authorities to ensure secure transportation.
The boats can also be used to ferry patients seeking medical treatment on the mainland, subject to the patient's condition and hospital approval.
Zuraidi also said the service is available to tourists, should unexpected tragedies occur.
The boats will be available around the clock all week round.
Kedah/Perlis Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director First Admiral (Maritime) Romli Mustafa welcomed the service, as it provides a safe option for transporting both bodies and patients.
He noted that the use of private boats or fishing vessels had raised safety concerns, especially when transporting patients and their families, or the deceased.
"Now, with this emergency boat service, patients or those accompanying family members will no longer face the risks associated with private or fishermen's boats,” he said. – Bernama
