Penang ferry services will remain free of any fuel surcharge, even as the federal government prepares to roll out a tiered levy on other ferry routes from 20 April.
Penang Port Commission (SPPP) chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the commission, together with Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), had decided that ferry routes linking Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda in George Town and Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim in Butterworth will not be subject to any surcharge.
“Despite ongoing global fuel price uncertainty and cost pressures, SPPP and PPSB remain committed to balancing operational sustainability with public interest,” Yeoh said in a statement.
“This includes enhancing operational efficiency and managing cost pressures prudently without passing the burden on to the public.”
Yeoh added that the commission will continue to facilitate trade and act as port regulator, ensuring ferry services remain sustainable, resilient, and supportive of mobility and economic activity in Penang.
The decision comes a day after the transport ministry announced a tiered fuel surcharge for ferry services nationwide, driven by rising oil prices amid the Middle East conflict.
Under the ministry’s scheme, the surcharge will apply to general users and tourists, while local residents and daily commuters will be exempted. It covers both passenger ferries and roll-on, roll-off vessels.
The surcharge rate will be reviewed monthly based on average global oil prices:
– Up to RM4 per litre: 0%
– RM4.01 to RM5 per litre: 5%
– RM5.01 to RM6 per litre: 8%
– RM6.01 to RM7 per litre: 12%
– RM7.01 to RM8 per litre: 15%
– Over RM8 per litre: 18%
The ministry capped the surcharge at 18%, citing technical considerations, consumer sensitivity, and the need to control inflation.
Source: Free Malaysia Today
