KUALA LUMPUR: Transport Ministry has its eyes on improving ferry services ahead of Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (Lima '23).
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said he had directed the Marine Department to look into the issues surrounding ferry services.
"I was made to understand that there are operational problems which we have to solve right now, involving the ferry capacity to ensure there are good and reliable services between Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis and Langkawi.
"We have to talk to the operators to see how we can solve that, of course there are various issues involved but all that have been taken into consideration since last year leading up to Lima," he said today.
He was speaking at a press conference after launching Lima '23 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here.
He gave his assurance that the ministry would cooperate with the operators to solve the problem.
"It's not only for Lima. Even now for the Chinese New Year period, there are a lot of demands going to Langkawi, this is a problem that we have to give more attention to," he added.
Meanwhile, he said the ministry would continue to engage with the stakeholders and facilitate if there is a need for approvals in terms of taxi or e-hailing permits.
"The ministry will be supportive and we will try our best to facilitate all applications.
"As far as airport operation is concerned, Langkawi airport has been upgraded since the last Lima, so I am sure that Langkawi Airport can cater to the demands and arrival of more tourists during Lima '23."
Lima '23 that is scheduled from May 23-27, is expected to be the largest edition since its inception in 1991.
Over 600 exhibitors from 30 countries, 60 per cent of which is made of 360 companies from the defence industry, while the remaining 40 per cent or 240 companies from the commercial sector.
