KOTA TINGGI – Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar today officially launched the new Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal – Malaysia’s latest point of entry for international arrivals.
The terminal, which offers direct access to Singapore and Indonesia’s Riau Islands of Batam and Bintan, is set to facilitate tourism and economic growth in southeast Johor.
Apart from providing alternative avenues for ease of travel and added convenience for border crossing, the new international gateway will also allow the Desaru Coast resort destination to enter its next growth phase.
During the official launching ceremony this morning, Sultan Ibrahim took a brief tour of the terminal complex, which houses a fully equipped Customs, Immigrations and Quarantine Terminal (CIQ), retail outlets and convenience stores as well as visitor and premium lounges, among others.
The royal, who arrived via a motorcade, was also seen leaving the event in a speedboat.
Also present at the launching ceremony were Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, and Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Amran Hafiz Affifudin.
Singapore route in the first phase, Bintan and Batam will be serviced later
Wee told reporters that although the ferry terminal is yet to be fully operational, the first batch of vessels would begin to arrive from Tanah Merah, Singapore.
He said the second phase of the terminal’s operations would involve ships coming from Batam and Bintan.
All of the ferry operations are expected to commence later this year, with no exact date confirmed so far.
“For the first six months (of operations), the ferries will only be arriving from Singapore, followed by the second phase in which the services from Batam and Bintan will begin,” Wee said.
“I feel that this ferry route situated in southern Johor and in the peninsula will be significant as it will consolidate travel involving the air, sea and land – the three sectors in which we have allowed travellers to enter.”
Once operational, the terminal will see passengers arriving from Singapore within 90 minutes, while trips from Batam and Bintan may take 75 minutes and 45 minutes, respectively.
The launching of the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal makes it the 16th entry point into Malaysia.
It also hosts seven government agencies consisting of the Immigration Department, Customs Department, Marine Department, Health Ministry, Pharmacy Department, Quarantine and Inspection Services, and Royal Malaysia Police.
The terminal will be an economic catalyst for the surrounding area
Amran, in his speech at the launching ceremony, said the terminal was seen as a component and catalyst of connectivity in international tourism.
The growth in international arrivals is expected to have a positive economic multiplier effect on the businesses of tourism players, entrepreneurs, and other industries, apart from driving job creation.
“I am also confident it will be recognised as an international connectivity hub and as a major entry point into Malaysia that will indirectly bring great benefits to Johor and Malaysia,” he said.
“We welcome the presence of foreign and domestic investors who have a similar long-term perspective and who are ready to realise our strategic and commercial plans.”
Meanwhile, Desaru Development Holdings One managing director and chief executive officer Roslina Arbak, during a press conference, said the ferry terminal will be able to open up to volumes of travellers from Singapore and Indonesia, as Johor is a choice destination for visitors from the neighbouring countries.
“With the completion of the terminal and its operations, hopefully sometime soon, we are also looking at the next phase of Desaru Coast, which is to look at the economic drivers and economic investors,” she said.
“We are ready for that, and we are looking for like-minded investors who are very keen to enhance the offerings in Desaru Coast.”
Asked to elaborate on the capacity of passengers that the terminal can accommodate, Roslina explained that it can take up to 300 passengers at any given time.
She also said the terminal is expected to take at least one round trip per day during weekdays, and two round trips on weekend days.
“Whether we are going to get 100% on ticket sales on the round trips, we can do the basic calculations from that.”
On the pricing of tickets, Roslina said the rates have yet to be confirmed but emphasised that they were well within the “affordable” price range. – The Vibes, March 31, 2022
