LOCALS and tourists are lauding the RM86 million Kuah Jetty upgrade.
The project is expected to ease congestion at the entry point of the popular tourist destination.
The project is aimed at providing more space and comfort for passengers and improving the luggage management system to be at par with those of airports.
The integrated system is expected to save tourists and other travellers the hassle of handling their baggage when boarding and getting off the ferry.
Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) chief executive officer Tan Sri Khalid Ramli said the upgrading work which started early this year were expected to be completed by September next year.
He said the project was aimed at enhancing services provided at the jetty to attract more visitors to the island.
Ticketing officer Mohd Tahir Abu, 60, said the project which is being carried out by the Marine Department would improve the island’s image.
He said the additional deck would ease congestion at the jetty during peak seasons.
“Instead of just two decks for ferries arriving from Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis and Satun, Thailand, we will soon have three and each will have their designated decks,” said Tahir who has worked at the jetty for more than 20 years.
“The extra deck also helps to improve the ticketing system and customs clearance for arrival and departure.”
Tourists welcomed the new luggage management system as their luggage would be tagged and transferred to the ferry when they check-in.
Besides being able to track their bags, passengers, especially the elderly and those with children, will be spared the hassle of carrying their luggage all the way to the decks.
A couple from Manchester, United Kingdom, who were on a one-week vacation in Malaysia, said the new deck was necessary judging from the queue and large crowd milling around the jetty.
David Moore and his wife, Rhian, who were visiting Langkawi for the first time, said having dedicated decks for ferries from different destinations and bags checked-in prior to boarding would make the boarding and disembarking process more systematic and efficient.