A new service for Langkawi Ferry Service Sdn Bhd (LFS) which offers a trip from Kuala Langsa in Acheh, Indonesia to Penang will serve as a catalyst to increase medical tourism in the state.

Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) managing director Ahmad Ibnihajar said Penang was a popular destination for the people of Acheh to seek treatment in most hospitals in the state.

“This new service is a good start to the next stage. Initially, we will provide ferry for passengers and maybe, in future, we may provide transport facilities for export and import purposes.

“Penang has been the focus of the Acehnese, not only for medical tourism but they also come here for education,” he told reporters, prior to a visit to the Swettenham Pier International Cruise Terminal in George Town.

Earlier, Ahmad and the Acheh delegation led by Mayor of Langsa, Usman Abdullah, were briefed by Thong Yow Chuan, executive director of TYC Resources Sdn Bhd, the management behind the Penang-Kuala Langsa ferry service, while the course from Kuala Langsa to Penang would be managed by Sumber Juwita.

Ahmad said that besides promoting medical tourism in the state, the ferry service would also provide accessibility for Penangites to visit relatives in Acheh.

“If the people from Acheh came here for medical tourism and educational purposes, the purpose of those heading to Acheh from Penang is more for trade and looking up relatives as many of those here hail from Aceh,” he said.

He said the ferry service would begin its maiden voyage on Feb 21 from Penang, with a special price offer for a month.

A return trip from Penang to Kuala Langsa would cost RM180 for adults and RM120 for children under 12. A return trip from Kuala Langsa to Penang will cost RM156.27 (adult) and RM101.578 (children under 12).

Ahmad noted the three to four hour-trip on the modified Kenanga Tiga ferry could accommodate up to 192 passengers at a time, as compared to only 138 passengers previously.

Initially, Ahmad said the service would be provided twice a week, of which, a trip from Penang to Kuala Langsa was set to be on Monday and Wednesday, while from Kuala Langsa to Penang, Tuesday and Thursday.

Tickets are available online for a trip from Penang to Kuala Langsa but for the journey from Kuala Langsa and Medan, tickets must be purchased manually.

- Bernama