MINI FERRY SERVICE EMPOWERS TOURISM IN PULAU TUBA

LANGKAWI, Feb 22 (Bernama) -- The air-conditioned mini ferry service from Kuah Tourist Jetty to Pulau Tuba has successfully strengthened and boosted tourism activities, thus generating the economy of the local community on the island.

Marketing Manager of Koperasi Komuniti Kepulauan Tuba dan Selat Berhad (Bestuba), Siti Nurul Norzahera Che Mohd Zaher said the service, which was first introduced in October last year, can accommodate about 100 passengers per trip compared to the previous smaller boats.

"Tourists to Pulau Tuba can refer to the ticket prices and travel schedule on Bestuba Facebook page. The trip from the jetty in Kuah to Pulau Tuba takes only about 10 to 15 minutes," she told Bernama.

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According to her, based on Bestuba's boat operation data, the number of tourists brought to the island is between 6,000 to 7,000 per month, and the number of tourists surges during school holidays and weekends.

"In addition to the ferry, we have several smaller boats that have been in use for a long time and with the addition of this mini ferry, our operations are more efficient," she said.

Siti Nurul Norzahera said the convenience of the organised boat and mini ferry schedules and consistent trip frequency made it easier for tourists to plan a visit, whether daily or overnight, to the island.

"In addition, the provision of life jackets and passenger safety aspects were also emphasised to ensure a safe and comfortable trip," she said.

She added that the presence of tourists indirectly helped increase the income of local residents through homestay services, seafood restaurants, motorcycle rentals and tour packages around the island.

"The effort to strengthen sea transportation facilities is also in line with the initiative to expand the spillover of tourism economy to rural areas, thus ensuring more balanced development in the Langkawi tourism ecosystem," she said.

Pulau Tuba, which is famous for its traditional fishing village atmosphere and natural beauty, has the potential to be an alternative tourism destination in Langkawi.

-- BERNAMA