Pasir Gudang Ferry Terminal To Permanently Close From 11 December

Photo credit: Harian Metro

Beginning from December 11, the Pasir Gudang ferry terminal, which has been operating for 20 years, will be shut down.

The last boat from Pasir Gudang to Batam left the terminal at 5.30 p.m. on December 10th, according to Mohd Tuah Mohd Amin, general manager of Pasir Gudang Passenger Terminal Sdn Bhd.

According to him, the ferry terminal's business was put to an end to make place for the process of giving Johor Port Berhad ownership of the vacant site (JPB)

He stated that the area's main building and other nearby structures will soon be demolished by the hired contractor.

Even though the land lease arrangement might have been extended for a further 30 years, the landowner, according to him, elected to stop it.

"To avoid any confusion, we have informed the pertinent agencies and terminal visitors as well as complied with JPB's request to leave the area.

"Passengers can easily go back and forth from Johor to Batam because of this terminal's location midway between the country's entrance and exit.

"Although there are other terminal facilities, they are relatively far away, and the presence of this terminal improves the travel of passengers, especially those residing around Pasir Gudang,” he added.

The closing of the ferry terminal, according to cab driver Mohd Noh Yap Abdullah, 65, will have a variety of effects, particularly on travellers and drivers.

He claims that it is simple to attract clients who are also ferry passengers every day.

The existence of this terminal is significant since it will increase tourism in the State of Johor.

We hope that the terminal will be kept up for the benefit of the general public and as a means of support for our livelihoods, said Yap Abdullah.

The permanent closure of the terminal, according to Azizi Mohmad, the deputy chairman of the Pasir Gudang Taxi Association, will have a devastating effect on taxi operations in addition to having an adverse impact on the businesses housed within the terminal building, including the ferry ticket counter, in an economy that is not yet stable.

"We hope that the public interest will be taken into account when deciding whether to close the terminal.

To ensure that this terminal is preserved, he stated, "it is hoped that the building management would be given the opportunity to discuss the subject with JPB."

The terminal facilities are used daily by hundreds of people, according to Ali Awang, the owner of the ticket counter.

"There are a total of four journeys from Pasir Gudang to Batam and four trips from Batam to Pasir.

Between the hours of 8.30 am and 5.30 pm, there are a total of four journeys made from Pasir Gudang to Batam or from Batam to Pasir Gudang.

He remarked, "We as well as the passengers have many fond memories associated with this terminal and would be saddened if it were to close soon."