KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 — Transport Minister Anthony Loke has warned ferry operators that they will not be eligible for diesel subsidies if they hike fares, particularly for locals and domestic tourists.
He said the Transport Ministry had received in-principle approval from the Finance Ministry last Friday (December 6) to provide diesel subsidies to ferry operators serving major islands nationwide, including Langkawi, starting January 1 next year.
"I am deeply disappointed by the hasty decision of Langkawi’s ferry operators announcing fare increases today.
"It would be better for all operators to immediately retract this announcement and engage in discussions with the Ministry of Transport soon," Loke said in a Facebook post today.
Earlier, news reports stated that fares for round-trip ferry services between Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis, and Langkawi would increase by RM3 to RM10.50 starting January 1 next year.
— Bernama
