Ferry operators urge urgent dredging of Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis lanes, warn silted routes could disrupt Langkawi schedules during peak season

ALOR SETAR, Aug 30 – Ferry operators in Langkawi are urging the federal government to expedite dredging works in the shipping lanes of Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis, as silt deposits have recently impacted shipping safety. Lieutenant Commander (Retired) Norhafiz Abdul Wahid, operations manager of Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd, emphasized that the shallow lanes not only pose risks to ferry operations but can also lead to schedule disruptions and travel delays.

Ferry services are crucial for transportation to Langkawi, supporting the country’s tourism sector. Under normal circumstances, these services can transport up to 25,000 tourists daily during peak season. Norhafiz warned that without immediate dredging, the ferry operations could be jeopardized, particularly during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) next year.

He stressed that comprehensive and regular dredging is essential to maintain safe shipping routes, ensuring smooth ferry operations and accommodating increased passenger numbers. Additionally, 176 regular ferry trips and 66 extra trips are planned between August 27 and September 6 to accommodate the school holiday season and National Day crowds.

Around 90,000 passengers are anticipated to travel via two primary routes: Langkawi-Kuala Perlis-Langkawi and Langkawi-Kuala Kedah-Langkawi, with 86,978 tickets already sold. Ferry operators emphasized the need for high readiness levels throughout the school holiday season and National Day.