Langkawi Ferry Scraps Price Hike for Malaysians

Just six hours after announcing a ticket price hike set to take effect on January 1, 2025, Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd, the operator of Langkawi ferries, backed down on its plan to raise fares for Malaysians.

The price increase, which would have added between RM3 and RM10.50 to the cost of a round trip from Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis to Langkawi, immediately caught the attention of the Ministry of Transport (MOT).

Transport Minister Anthony Loke responded by announcing that the ministry had just received approval from the Finance Ministry to roll out diesel subsidies for ferry operators across the country starting January 1, 2025.

Loke explained that the subsidies are intended to help ferry operators manage their costs, and this was one of the main reasons the government pushed back against the fare increase. He also warned, “If Ferry Line doesn’t retract the price hike, they could lose access to the fuel subsidy program.”

Ferry Line’s general manager, Captain Dr. Baharin Baharom, confirmed the decision to scrap the price hike for Malaysians after discussions with the Transport Ministry and the Kedah state government.

However, the company will still go ahead with the planned fare increase for international travelers.