Sultan of Pahang calls for improved Tioman Island ferry services

Sultan Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has urged the Pahang state government to ensure reliable and high-quality ferry services to Pulau Tioman. Speaking at the Rompin Golden Jubilee celebration, the Sultan emphasized that the government should prioritize public service and support for local businesses over mere profit, even if it requires significant state expenditure or subsidies.

The call for improvements follows concerns regarding rising costs and frequent delays. Ferry ticket prices for local tourists have reportedly increased twice within a year, rising from RM90 to RM150 for round trips. Current one-way fares from Teluk Gading Jetty to Tioman are RM75 for Malaysian adults, RM90 for foreigners, and RM45 for Tioman residents.

Travelers have reported significant delays, with some waiting up to eight hours for transport. Local business owners, including the owner of Salang Resort, noted that these service issues are negatively impacting the tourism industry, leading some tourists to cancel bookings due to the unreliable transportation.