PETALING JAYA: Dredging works to improve safety and travel along the Kuala Kedah cruise line should be completed by Nov 30 this year, urges Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The Transport Minister said this would ensure that more passengers can enter Kuala Kedah from Langkawi and also be part of preparations ahead of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima) 2023, added Dr Wee.
"The project was started two months later than scheduled due to the movement control order (MCO).
"I'm urging for this project to be completed on Nov 30 this year so that more passengers can travel from Langkawi and as an early preparation for Lima 2023," said Dr Wee in a Facebook post on Friday (Sept 9) night.
At the same time, Dr Wee said dredging work along the 6km-long Kuala Kedah cruise line route was divided into six blocks.
"The dredging work has been 75% completed and it has entered into the fourth block," posted Dr Wee after visiting the Kuala Kedah ferry terminal, where he was briefed by the Marine Department deputy director (operations) Captain Abdul Samad Shaik Osman.
"Each day, there are five trips from Kuala Kedah to Langkawi, with a passenger capacity of between 300-500.
"I also managed to mingle with ferry users and listen to various views as well as suggestions to improve ferry services," said Dr Wee.
Also present during the visit was Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, Northern Region Maritime Operations Division head Mohd Nor Faizal Hassan, Kuala Kedah Marine office head Halimatun Saadiah, Kedah MCA chairman Datuk Goh Chin Cheung, Kuala Kedah MCA division chief Datuk Ooi Eyan Hian, Langkawi MCA division chief Datuk Chen Liau Weng, the Prime Minister's political secretary Chua Hock Kuan and officers of the Marine Department.
Meanwhile, after completing a working visit to the Kuala Kedah ferry terminal, Dr Wee was subsequently invited to visit a fish feed processing plant nearby.
“The management of the company has briefed us and I have listened to several requests from the company.
“The Transport Ministry and the Marine Department will work towards creating a business friendly environment to stimulate economic activities that will benefit the country and Malaysians,” said Dr Wee.
