Not feasible for Kedah govt to operate ferry, flight services to Langkawi

New Straits Times

22-04-2025

ALOR STAR: Proposals for the Kedah state government to manage ferry and flight services from the capital to Langkawi have been deemed impractical and commercially unviable.
State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin stressed the importance of learning from the Langkawi Development Authority's (Lada) past failure to sustain its ferry service to the island.
"There was a time when Lada operated a ferry service in the hope of enhancing the tourism sector and improving local connectivity. However, the initiative failed to achieve its intended objectives, as the ferries purchased were unable to operate optimally or consistently," he told the state assembly today.
Salleh added that a series of technical issues, along with weaknesses in maintenance and operational management, ultimately rendered the ferries unfit for regular use.
"As a result, the investment failed to deliver satisfactory returns for the agency and caused financial and reputational damage to Lada and its subsidiary," he said in response to a suggestion from Amar Pared Mahamud (PN–Kuah).
Salleh also said that operating flights from Alor Star to Langkawi was not commercially viable.
"It is worth noting that the relatively short distance — some 100km — makes the route less viable for flight services when compared with existing land and sea transport alternatives," he said, in response to a suggestion by Loh Wei Chai (PH–Bakar Arang).
However, Salleh expressed openness to further engagement with the Transport Ministry, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, and airline operators to conduct a feasibility study on the route.
"This could include exploring the potential for seasonal or chartered flights, particularly in conjunction with the Visit Kedah Year 2025 campaign for promotional purposes," he said.