ALOR SETAR: Langkawi Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd said the fuel surcharge for Langkawi ferry services would be targeted and limited, in line with the government's approach.
General manager Dr Baharin Baharom said the surcharge would apply only to local tourists, and not to passengers without MyKad, Langkawi permanent residents, senior citizens or persons with disabilities.
He said the surcharge for the Kuala Perlis-Langkawi route would range from RM1.05 to RM3.80, while the Kuala Kedah-Langkawi route would be between RM1.35 and RM4.80.
"Although the surcharge applies to local tourists, ferry fares to Langkawi remain low, reasonable and among the most competitive in Malaysia," he said in a statement on Friday (April 18).
Baharin said the rates were modest compared with the actual increase in fuel costs borne by operators.
He said the move reflected a balanced approach by the government and ferry operators to protect locals' welfare, maintain access to maritime transport and support Langkawi's tourism industry.
"We urge all parties to understand that the surcharge is a necessary step amid rising costs and has been introduced with due consideration for the rakyat and the tourism industry," he said.
Baharin also welcomed the government's decision through the Transport Ministry to introduce the temporary bunker fuel surcharge as a mitigation measure against rising operating costs.
Although it covers only a small portion of actual costs, he said the move was pragmatic in ensuring continued ferry services for the public and tourists.
On the rationing of ferry trips, he acknowledged public complaints but said the measure was an unavoidable operational necessity under current cost pressures.
The government previously announced the targeted bunker fuel surcharge would take effect on April 20 to offset part of rising costs without affecting public access to maritime transport services.
The Transport Ministry said geopolitical tensions in West Asia had disrupted global energy markets and logistics chains, causing a sharp rise in marine diesel prices and increasing pressure on domestic maritime operators. – Bernama
