LANGKAWI travel industry players have called for the consortium providing ferry services between Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis to the island resort to be disbanded following yet another breakdown incident on Wednesday night.
Former Malaysian Association of Travel and Tour Agents Kedah chairman Ahmad Pishol Isahak said the authorities must reassess the main transport link to Langkawi, which he said has become more of a hindrance than an asset to tourism.
"We need to have more ferry operators as it is only through competition that the services improve," said Pishol.
The decline in ferry service quality has been cited as one of the reasons for the drop in tourist arrivals to the island resort.
On Wednesday, a ferry trip to Langkawi from Kuala Kedah for 163 passengers took five hours after the two engines of the vessel broke down mid-journey. The passengers were left in pitch darkness while the engines were out. After the crew managed to restart one engine, it could only travel to Langkawi at a reduced speed.
A ferry trip from Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis to Langkawi usually takes between 45 minutes and two hours.
Ferry Line Ventures Consortium spokesman Baharin Baharom explained that the low tidal range in Kuala Kedah caused the delay. "The crew had to decide whether to return to Kuala Kedah and navigate through low tide or carry on to Langkawi. The latter option was deemed the best so the ferry continued to Langkawi," said Baharin.
The ferry arrived around midnight, and the operator provided the passengers with food and drink, Baharin added.
Pishol said the ferry service needs upgrading.
"It is the main mode of affordable transport in and out of the island. Commercial flights have become pricier since the lockdown was lifted in 2023," he said.
National Tourism Council member Eric R. Sinnaya emphasised the need for more ferry operators and diversified routes to Langkawi. He urged for the reinstatement of the service between Penang and Langkawi and suggested that other transport service providers, including cruise yacht services, be allowed to offer commercial packages to the island.
"More cruise services offering island-to-island trips can also become another attraction for Penang and Langkawi ," Sinnaya said. – July 12, 2024.
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