The ferry carrying passengers from Kuala Perlis arrived at the Passenger Ferry Terminal, Kedah.
KUALA LUMPUR – Langkawi Island needs to get diesel subsidy rights like in Sabah and Sarawak to ensure that the socio-economic costs do not burden the people.
Langkawi Division UMNO Youth Movement Chief, Mohd Radhi Abdul Rahim said that the people of Langkawi are also Malaysians and they should not be marginalized from these rights.
“What is being demanded is not a privilege, but the right to a fair, stable and guaranteed public transport system for the survival and development of the local economy.
Last Wednesday, the government readjusted the retail price of petroleum products, where diesel is sold at RM5.15 per litre for the Peninsula, while Sabah and Sarawak will remain at RM2.15 per litre from March 26 to April 1, 2026.
Radhi also said that the increase in diesel prices not only burdens owners of four-wheel drive vehicles but also increases the operating costs of ferry operators in Langkawi.
“Ferry services are not just a business, but have been the main transportation for 80 percent of Langkawi residents to the mainland since before independence.
"It is the backbone of the people's movement, the tourism industry and the local economy and is the lifeblood of the people's lives including family affairs, government services, social activities and the tourism sector.
"However, this service is still facing instability and various long-standing issues that have not been resolved comprehensively," he said.
Radhi also said that the people are forced to bear higher travel costs, while daily affairs such as health, education and employment have become increasingly difficult.
"The effects of this instability are being felt by the people and the local economy," he said.
In addition, he said, tourists have begun to switch to other routes, thus affecting Langkawi's image as a tourist destination.
"Small traders have also lost customers, causing income to decline and local economic activity to slow down," he said.
More worryingly, he said, the marine tourism sector has also been impacted when "island hopping" operators have lost customers due to a reduction in tourist arrivals, while "mangrove tour" operators have also been affected.
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