ALOR SETAR: There would not be any cancellation or reduction in the frequency of ferry rides from Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis to Langkawi, despite reports of tropical storm Pabuk said to hit the island tomorrow.
A ferry service company spokesman said it had yet to receive any instruction to delay or cancel the rides.
“For the time being, business is as usual with 10 daily trips to and fro Langkawi with the last ride back (to main land) scheduled at 7pm. Each ride takes about two hours.
“Each ferry is capable of sailing in choppy waters, but it would also depend on the due consideration by the captain,” he told NSTP today.
Meanwhile, a ferry operator at the Kuala Perlis terminal said the rides would run as scheduled as the weather was still good.
“We have 10 daily trips from here (terminal) and another 10 from Langkawi to this terminal.
“Despite the weather forecast by the Malaysian Meteorology Department (MetMalaysia), the situation is still under control as our staff were trained to face any eventualities,” he said.
Kedah Civil Defence Force (APM) director Lieutenant Col (PA) Awang Askandar Ampuan Yaacob had advised Langkawi residents and tourists to steer clear of coastal areas as Tropical Storm Pabuk was expected hit the island shore and portions of northern Kedah at 2pm tomorrow.