‘Expand RoRo ferry service to boost tourism’

Kota Iskandar assemblyman Datuk Pandak Ahmad wants Johor and Indonesia governments to consider expanding the roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) ferry service from Indonesia to Iskandar Puteri.

“We currently have one service in Tanjung Belungkor, Kota Tinggi, while the nearest RoRo ferry service in Batam is at Batu Ampar, but the routes are to Medan and Jakarta.

“If the two governments could somehow work this out, we could have more visitors coming here with their vehicles via the ferry service.

“The service could also be expanded to Singapore to reduce congestion at the Causeway,” said Pandak, adding that this would help revive the Indonesia-Singapore-Malaysia growth triangle known as “Sijori”.

He was speaking after the welcoming ceremony for the new Putri Anggreni 07 passenger ferry as part of the service route from Batam Harbour in Indonesia to Puteri Harbour International Ferry Terminal in Iskandar Puteri, Johor.

Pandak added that 319,931 visitors from Batam came to Johor via Puteri Harbour International Ferry Terminal since last year.

A total of 36% came to obtain medical treatment, he said.

“We hope the new ferry service will be able to bring in more tourists, not only for medical purposes but also to enjoy the products that we have in Iskandar Puteri.”

The international ferry terminal in Iskandar Puteri, landing point for visitors travelling back and forth from Batam and Tanjung Balai in Indonesia. — Filepic

He added that Tobindo Malaysia Sdn Bhd, which handled the Putri Anggreni ferry service, was also targeting to increase its operations from four trips to at least five trips per day.

“They currently have six ferries, and each ferry is able to carry around 300 passengers,” said Pandak, adding that Putri Anggreni 07 also offered VIP seating.

Tourism Johor director Sharil Nizam Abdul Rahim said the state saw over 16 million foreign visitors last year, with nearly eight million choosing to stay overnight in Johor.

“These statistics are derived from data provided by the Immigration Department and local hotel associations.

“The majority of visitors come from neighbouring countries such as Singapore and Indonesia.

“We are also currently making preparations for the Asean Tourism Forum, which will be held from Jan 19 to 26 next year.

“The forum is expected to draw participation from all tourism ministers from Asean countries,” Shahril Nizam said.