KUALA LUMPUR (March 31): Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal has been completed and is set to bring ease for travellers in cross-border travelling and spur economic growth for Johor upon its operations.

The Ferry Terminal, which is an international gateway and Malaysia’s 16th entry point, is expected to serve two round trips from Singapore on Thursdays to Sundays and one round trip on Monday to Wednesday, based on market demand.

Fully equipped with a Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex and maritime facilities, the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal features the latest bidirectional immigration automated e-gate. The ferry terminal is able to process 300 passengers at any given time.

The Ferry Terminal is part of the Desaru Coast development by master developer Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn Bhd. Its chairman Datuk Amran Hafiz Affifudin, said in a statement that as a long-term developer entrusted to play a central role in the tourism landscape of Johor, it has been its commitment and responsibility to bring value to the community and state.

“While we developed the ferry terminal as a connectivity and catalytic component for Desaru Coast to realise its full potential as an international destination, it is our hope that it will foster wider benefits for the state of Johor,” Amran said.

With tourism being a key economic sector for Johor, and some large industries operating in the eastern region of Johor, an international ferry terminal that eases cross-border travel will significantly enhance access.

Desaru Development Holdings One managing director and chief executive officer Roslina Arbak said Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal is a “game-changer”, as it enables the group to unlock new market and business opportunities.

“Ferry services will soon provide a fast and reliable way for tourists to arrive at the doorstep of the destination. We are looking forward to welcoming international tourists to join our domestic visitors in enjoying our destination and the state of Johor,” said Roslina.

“The new connectivity infrastructure will allow an increase in the volume of visitors, putting us in a better position to capture the wider regional MICE ( meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) market where we can offer bespoke, experiential and authentic events under our signature MICE Reinvented programme. This convenient cross-border ferry connectivity further allows us to offer international luxury hotel-branded residences and private homes for those looking for a beach resort lifestyle with an easy commute.

Desaru Coast has recently announced a partnership to enhance its international connectivity by appointing Desaru Link Ferry Services Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Batam Fast Ferry Pte Ltd, to offer passenger ferry services connecting Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal with Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal.

“Having established Batam Fast as a leading passenger ferry operator in the region, we are pleased to continue our connectivity expansion, having earmarked South Eastern Johor as the desired expansion plan,” Batam Fast Ferry Pte Ltd general manager of operations Chua Choon Leng said.

The ferry service operator is still awaiting final approval from the Singapore Maritime and Ports Authority (MPA), before it can begin operations.

The launch of the terminal was officiated by Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar. Also present at the event was Tunku Temenggong of Johor, Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Johor Menteri Besar, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Minister of Transport, Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong and Datuk Amran Hafiz Affifudin.