Long-term solution needed for Langkawi ferry lane sedimentation, says Loke

ALOR SETAR, Nov 2 — The issue of sedimentation along the ferry lane in the waters of Kuala Kedah requires a more sustainable, long-term solution to ensure the smooth operation of ferry services to Langkawi.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said dredging works are carried out periodically every two years to prevent sedimentation from disrupting operations in the area.

However, he noted that a more comprehensive solution must be sought, given that this issue continues to be an operational constraint at the terminal.

“There are physical constraints because the passenger terminal currently under development is situated at its original location. Reclaiming land from the sea or developing new areas would be prohibitively expensive.

“Therefore, we are seeking a long-term solution to address this sedimentation issue, while dredging works are being carried out periodically,” he said.

He told reporters after officiating a ceremony to distribute special financial aid to taxi, rental car, and school bus drivers in the state of Kedah here today.

Meanwhile, Loke encouraged both existing and new ferry operators to expand their services and increase trip frequencies to better meet the needs of users.

However, he noted that any increase in the number of trips would depend on the operators’ capabilities, taking into account various factors such as operating costs, passenger volume, and operational constraints.

Regarding the development of the new Kuala Kedah passenger terminal slated for completion in September 2027 he said the facility is expected to enhance the operational capacity of ferry services at the terminal.

He explained that the new facility will allow up to three ferries to dock simultaneously, compared to the current capacity of only one ferry at a time.

At the event, 351 taxi and rental car drivers from Kedah and Perlis received aid vouchers worth RM1,000 each.

Also present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Ministry of Transport secretary-general Datuk Seri Jana Santhiran Muniayan, and director-general of the Land Public Transport Agency Ahmad Radhi Maarof. — Bernama

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亚罗士打，11月2日讯——瓜拉吉打水域渡轮航道沿线的泥沙淤积问题需要更可持续的长期解决方案，以确保前往兰卡威的渡轮服务顺利运营。

交通部长陆兆福表示，疏浚工程每两年定期进行一次，以防止泥沙淤积扰乱该地区的运营。

但他指出，鉴于这个问题仍然是码头运营中的一个制约因素，因此必须寻求更全面的解决方案。

“由于目前正在建设的客运航站楼位于其原址，因此存在一些实际限制。从海中填海造地或开发新区域的成本将非常高昂。”

“因此，我们正在寻求解决泥沙淤积问题的长期方案，同时定期进行疏浚工作，”他说。

今天，他在吉打州主持了向出租车、租车和校车司机发放特别财政援助的仪式后告诉记者。

与此同时，陆兆福鼓励现有和新的渡轮运营商扩大服务范围，增加班次，以更好地满足用户的需求。

但他指出，增加出行次数将取决于运营商的能力，并考虑到运营成本、乘客数量和运营限制等各种因素。

关于计划于 2027 年 9 月竣工的瓜拉吉打新客运码头的开发，他表示，该设施有望提高该码头渡轮服务的运营能力。

他解释说，新设施将允许最多三艘渡轮同时停靠，而目前一次只能停靠一艘渡轮。

活动中，来自吉打州和玻璃市州的 351 名出租车和租车司机每人获得了价值 1000 令吉的援助券。

出席者包括内政部长拿督斯里赛夫丁纳苏蒂安伊斯梅尔、交通部秘书长拿督斯里贾纳桑蒂兰穆尼亚扬和陆路公共交通机构总监艾哈迈德拉迪马罗夫。 — 马新社

公共服务主管表示，应在公共部门专业知识和机构知识流失之前将其记录下来。

马六甲州选举：希望联盟挑战马华公会，要求在他们竞选的全部四个席位进行辩论。

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