MELAKA - The Melaka government will increase the frequency of ferry services at the state Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex (ICQS) jetty.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said it was part of the method to attract more tourists from Indonesia using the sea route through Melaka ICQS jetty, especially during the Visit Melaka Year (TMM) 2024.
"The frequency of the current schedule is twice a day, but the capacity of this jetty can receive four ferry landings a day, depending on the sea tide.
"So, in our campaign later, we will encourage as many passengers as possible to use this jetty, and we will also schedule more frequency,” he said at a press conference after a working visit to state ICQS, here today.
He also said that the state government is now actively improving the infrastructure at the ICQS, which is the only ICQS complex in the city centre, including deepening the river basin.
"The river deepening project has been carried out for the past month, and is expected to be completed within six months.
"This area has been deepened to make it easier for ferries to get in and out. As for the other infrastructure, everything is good and according to international standards,” he said.
On the plan for the Melaka International Airport (LTAM), in Batu Berendam, following the suspension of commercial aircraft operations, Ab Rauf said that the state government is planning to change LTAM's status as a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hub for helicopters and light aircraft.
"This proposal will be submitted to the federal government, after all commercial airlines stop operations in LTAM due to lack of passenger response,” he said. - BERNAMA