PETALING JAYA: Penang ferry services will be exempt from any fuel surcharge, despite the government’s plan to roll out a tiered surcharge from April 20.
Penang Port Commission (SPPP) chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the commission, together with Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), had decided that the ferry routes to and from Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda in George Town and Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim in Butterworth will not be subject to any fuel surcharge.
“Despite ongoing global fuel price uncertainty and cost pressures, SPPP and PPSB remain committed to balancing operational sustainability with public interest.
“This includes enhancing operational efficiency and managing cost pressures prudently without passing the burden on to the public,” Yeoh said in a statement.
He said the commission will continue to play its role to facilitate trade and as a port regulator, ensuring that the ferry services remain sustainable, resilient, and supportive of mobility and economic activity in Penang.
Yesterday, the transport ministry said it will implement a tiered fuel surcharge for ferry services starting April 20 because of the rise in oil prices caused by the Middle East conflict.
It said the surcharge would be imposed on general users and all tourists, while local residents and those who rely on such services for their daily commute will be exempted.
The surcharge will apply to passenger ferries as well as roll-on, roll-off ferries.
The surcharge rate will be reviewed each month based on average global oil prices, with the rates as follows:
- 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 said the surcharge would be capped at 18% based on technical considerations, consumer sensitivity, and the need to control inflation.
