Kuala Kedah-Langkawi RORO Ferry Frequency Targeted To Increase From Q4 2027 

UALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The Transport Ministry is targeting two additional daily trips on the Kuala Kedah-Langkawi roll-on roll-off (RORO) ferry service from the fourth quarter of 2027. 

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said the long-term measure was in line with the expected completion of the project to demolish, rebuild and upgrade the Kuala Kedah passenger, cargo and RORO terminal.

Upon completion, the project is expected to enhance the terminal's handling capacity, improve vehicle movements and support more organised and efficient RORO operations.

"The ministry also aims to gradually restore RORO service frequency to pre-crisis levels, subject to demand, operators' capacity, vessel availability, tidal conditions and navigational safety," he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a question from Dr Ahmad Fakhruddin Fakhrurazi (PN-Kuala Kedah) on the RORO ferry service between Kuala Kedah and Langkawi.

Hasbi said that before the crisis in West Asia, the RORO service operated about five trips daily on regular days and between six and 10 trips daily from Thursday to Sunday and during peak periods.

However, he said rising operating costs, particularly fuel prices, had forced operators to temporarily reduce the frequency to four trips daily to ensure service continuity.

He said the government was also looking into diesel subsidies for ferry operators serving Langkawi to help ease operating cost pressures.

"At the same time, fuel surcharges are among the mechanisms to address rising fuel costs, subject to the consideration and decisions of the relevant authorities, taking into account consumer interests and the sustainability of operators' services," he said.

Hasbi said the ministry would continue to work closely with RORO operators and relevant agencies to ensure that the increase in trip frequency could be implemented effectively.

He said the move was expected to reduce waiting times for logistics vehicles, improve supply chain efficiency and boost economic activities and tourism in Langkawi without compromising safety and service sustainability.

-- BERNAMA