LANGKAWI, Dec 21- The ferry service operator on the island, Langkawi Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd, welcomes the government's initiative to ferry and passenger boat operators as well as Roll On Roll Off (RORO) services by providing diesel subsidies starting January 1.

The company's general manager, Captain Dr Baharin Baharom, said the announcement made by Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook was a relief to ferry operators.

However, there are issues that need to be discussed with the Ministry of Transport (MOT) in the near future.

"There are issues that need to be brought to the attention of the Minister, where God willing, I will make an application to discuss with the Transport Ministry. We can discuss this issue without prejudice," he said in a press conference here.

Earlier, Transport Minister Anthony Loke on Friday announced the provision of diesel subsidies to ferry and passenger boat operators, including RORO ferry services on the main islands effective January 1.

In the report, Loke said that the diesel subsidy will benefit operators on strategic service routes such as the Federal Territory of Labuan, Langkawi Island, Pangkor Island, Ketam Island, Tioman Island, Redang Island and Penang Island.

He said the first claim can be submitted on or before February 20, 2025.

Meanwhile, Dr Bahrin said Ferry Line Ventures Sdn Bhd has also received approval from the Marine Department to start operations at night according to the demand from visitors.

This also supports Visit Kedah Year 2025 which will begin in just a few days.