Kuala Lumpur:Tioman Tourism operators on Tioman Island are calling for Budget 2027 to bolster the island's economy and tourism sector by enhancing transport access and infrastructure to support local growth. According to BERNAMA News Agency, operators emphasize the need for facilities and management systems that can handle increased tourism while maintaining environmental sustainability. Ab Razif Ali Awang of Tioman Santai Resort highlighted transport as a critical issue, citing the limited ferry services that complicate tourist arrivals. Peter Lo Chine Pan, general manager of Tunamaya Beach and Spa Resort Sdn Bhd, echoed these concerns. He noted that inadequate ferry capacity sometimes leads to accommodation booking cancellations when tourists cannot secure ferry tickets for their trips. Lo suggested that the Tioman Development Authority and ferry operators should either increase ferry service frequency or introduce new operators to address this issue. Additionally, Lo pointed out the need for improved wa ste management to ensure the island's environment and facilities can handle the rise in tourist numbers. Reef Check Malaysia's programme manager, Alvin Chelliah, advocated for funding to study climate change impacts on Tioman Island, such as coastal erosion. He emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism development, focusing on issues like sewage management, solid waste management, and visible climate change effects. Tourism operators, especially from the accommodation sector, participated in a Budget 2027 engagement session with Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. The session took place during the minister's working visit to Tioman from September 26 to 27, as part of the Finance Ministry's Budget Tour series under the MADANI Adopted Village programme on the island.