Langkawi: The reduction of ferry service to Langkawi from five to three trips a day, which began yesterday, must be implemented to ensure the continuity of public transport operations so that they continue to survive and are not completely discontinued.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd (Ferry Line) general manager Dr. Baharin Baharom stated that the decision to reduce the number of trips was necessary due to the risk of the ferry transport industry to Langkawi potentially going out of business. This risk has arisen following a sudden spike in industrial diesel prices.

Dr. Baharin emphasized that the increase in diesel prices, which have more than doubled, is significantly impacting operating costs for ferry operators in Langkawi. The steps taken are crucial to ensure the continuity of the company's operations. He noted that while some blame ferry operators for the reduction, this perception fails to consider the real challenges faced by the industry.

He pointed out that the ferry fare to Langkawi is among the lowest in Malaysia, costing around 88 sen per nautical mile, which is much lower than the fares for routes to Pulau Tioman and Pulau Pangkor, which are around RM2 per nautical mile. This low fare has been maintained to ensure affordable tourism access, but with rising operating costs, maintaining business viability has become increasingly challenging.

Dr. Baharin also highlighted that the schedule reduction might impact the Langkawi tourism sector. However, without implementing measures such as schedule rationing, fare adjustments, or policy support, the Langkawi ferry industry risks operational closure in the near future.

Previously, it was reported that Ferry Line had adjusted its travel schedule after Aidilfitri due to the more than 100 percent increase in industrial diesel prices. The rearrangement of schedules is seen as a necessary step to mitigate the risk of losses increasingly burdening ferry operators.