ALOR STAR: Ferry fares to Langkawi will increase by RM6 to RM10 from next month.
The Transport Ministry has given the green light to the ferry operators to raise the fares but it also expects their services to improve.
The revised fare means a passenger needs to fork out RM46 (from RM36) for the Langkawi-Kuala Kedah return trip, and RM36 (from RM30) for the Langkawi-Kuala Perlis return trip.
Marine Department port and mariner affairs director Muhammad Razif Ahmad said the Government agreed to the fare increase in view of the surging fuel price and escalating cost of maintenance and spare parts.
“The Transport Ministry acknowledges that the ferry operators have absorbed the increase in operating cost for a long time,” he said in a statement.
When the ferry fare was last increased on June 1 two years ago, the cost of diesel was RM1.70 per litre. It is RM2.20 per litre now.
Muhammad Razif said the Transport Minister hoped that ferry operators would also improve their services and upgrade the comfort level of their vessels.
“On top of that, the operators are also expected to ensure the safety of their passengers and that their ferries are seaworthy,” he said.
The ferry operators had wanted to increase the fare effective Tuesday, but changed their minds following Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid’s warning not to do so without approval.
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