The issue of price hike for ferry tickets to Pangkor Island has been highlighted at the meeting of the Perak State Executive Council (MMK) to be discussed comprehensively.
Executive Councillor for Housing, Local Government and Tourism, Dato’ Nolee Ashilin binti Dato’ Mohammed Radzi said that she is aware of the concerns faced by the parties involved, including tourism industry players.
“The price increase is due to increased fuel costs which are beyond the control of the state government.
“However, this matter also involves the pressure of market price and demand. We agree that this is a concern for industry operators in particular, who hope for more visitors to board the ferry and feel the prices are high.
“We have brought this issue to the MMK under the portfolio of Executive Councillor, Dato’ Mohd Zolkafly Harun. Then we will be able to share on the steps and actions that can be taken.
She said this during a media conference on the state Arts, Culture and Heritage Appreciation programme at the Department for Arts and Culture (JKKN) of Perak on Wednesday.
Present were Mayor of Ipoh, Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin @ Md Daud, JKKN Director-General, Mesran bin Mohd Yusop and Chairman of the Board of Directors for Tourism Perak, Dato’ Mohamad Kamil Shafie.
“I understand that a series of meetings had been held before the fare hike, and permission was given at the ministry level, not the state government,” Nolee added.
When asked whether the price increase would negatively impact the number of visitors to the resort island, she said that it is still being monitored.
“So far, there has yet to be any information showing that effect, as it is currently off-peak season. Once the Aidiladha holiday arrives, we’ll be able to see whether there will be a detrimental effect on tourism in Pangkor or not.
Last Monday, the media reported that the fare for a two-way trip to Pangkor Island increased to RM20 from the previous RM14 for adults, and at RM11 for children from July 1.
The fare increase was acknowledged by Lumut Jetty Ferry Operator, Rositah Abdul Razak, who explained that the matter was unavoidable due to the increase in their operating costs.
According to Rositah, fuel, maintenance and the setting of a minimum wage of RM1,500 by the government were among the reasons for the increase in operating costs.
