New ferry service to Tg Pengelih

PENGERANG (JOHOR): MALAYSIA'S Transport Minister is confident the
opening of a new ferry route from Tanjung Pengelih, a main town in
Johor, to Tanah Merah in Singapore will spur the local economy.

Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said the new service, which started over the
weekend, would bring in more tourist traffic and boost existing
tourism attractions such as homestays.

'This new service will add to the existing bumboats that carry
passengers from Tanjung Pengelih to the Changi Ferry Terminal in
Singapore and to Batam and Tanjung Pinang in Indonesia as well.

'It will also spur the state's economy,' he said, after launching the
Tanjong Pengelih Jetty Complex and Public Marina on Saturday.

Mr Ong explained that there was an increase in the number of
passengers using the Tanjung Pengelih terminal to travel to and from
the Changi Ferry Terminal.

'The number of passengers increased from 47,778 in 2007 to 48,689 in
2008,' he said.

The Tanjung Pengelih terminal, completed last year at a cost of RM39
million (S$16 million), is equipped with Customs, Immigration and
Quarantine services.

With an integrated system which includes a 20-berth marina with
landing ramp that can accommodate yachts of different sizes and
recreational boats, the complex is expected to be a major attraction
for yachting activities and marine tourism.

When asked whether the opening of the new route would affect the ferry
businesses in the nearby Tanjung Belungkor jetty, Mr Ong said the
additional route would actually bring in more economic activity.

'During this challenging era, besides facing the economic challenges,
we have to learn to use our facilities to maximum capacity.'

He also announced that the Stulang Ferry Terminal in Johor Baru will
be providing ferry services to Tanah Merah in Singapore.