Tioman Tourism Operators Seek Better Transport, Infrastructure In Budget 2027

ROMPIN, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- Tourism operators on Tioman Island hope Budget 2027 will strengthen the island’s economy and tourism industry through improved transport access and basic infrastructure to support local growth.

They said efforts to attract more tourists should be supported by facilities and management systems capable of handling increased tourism activity while taking into account the island’s environmental sustainability.

Tioman Santai Resort operator Ab Razif Ali Awang said transport was a key issue that needed attention as it was an important factor in determining tourist arrivals on the island.

“The main problem here is transport. It is quite difficult for tourists to come to Tioman Island due to limited ferry services,” he said.

Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort Sdn Bhd general manager Peter Lo Chine Pan said the resort faced a similar problem, with insufficient ferry capacity forcing it to cancel accommodation bookings when tourists were unable to secure ferry tickets for either their outbound or return journeys.

“We hope the Tioman Development Authority and ferry operators can find a solution, either by increasing the frequency of ferry services or bringing in new operators,” he said.

Lo said that more effective waste management should also be given attention to ensure rising tourist numbers did not put pressure on the island’s environment and existing facilities.

Reef Check Malaysia programme manager Alvin Chelliah called for funding to study the impact of climate change on Tioman Island, including coastal erosion, to ensure tourism development could be planned sustainably and support the industry in the long term.

He said issues included sewage management, solid waste management and increasingly visible effects of climate change.

“The study could look at how we can protect businesses on the island while ensuring it remains viable as a tourism destination in the long term,” he said.

Tourism operators, particularly those in the accommodation sector, took part in a Budget 2027 engagement session with Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan on Sunday.

Amir Hamzah was on a working visit to Tioman from Sept 26 to 27, as part of the Finance Ministry’s Budget Tour series at its MADANI Adopted Village programme on the island.

-- BERNAMA