Menteri besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the 60% reduction would be borne by the state government and it would involve a financial implication of RM500,000.

The fare reduction is expected to benefit approximately 3,600 residents.

“When they met me, many said the fare to the mainland was expensive. So, I asked how much they could afford and most recommended RM20,” he said, adding that the matter had been discussed with the state financial officer.

Wan Rosdy said this to reporters after an engagement session with the residents of Kampung Jawa here today.

The election for the state seat of Tioman will be held on Wednesday after it was postponed from Nov 19 following the death of Perikatan Nasional candidate.

The new rate, according to Wan Rosdy, only involves the route via Teluk Gading jetty (formerly Tanjung Gemok) while the one-way fare for non-resident adult passengers and tourists remains at RM60.

Wan Rosdy also added that the government had approved the construction of a clinic with maternity ward facilities, dental services and specialist doctors on the island to facilitate treatment for the people living on the island.

“This will be convenient for the people, especially pregnant women who no longer need to travel to the mainland to give birth and this has been made possible because the central and state governments are aligned,” he said.