No plans to suspend ferry service at Pulau Tioman despite EMCO

There are no plans to suspend the ferry service at Pulau Tioman despite the island being placed under the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) for two weeks from today.

Tioman assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohd Johari Hussain said the ferry services from Tanjung Gemok jetty (Rompin) and Mersing jetty (Johor) would continue with strict standard operating procedures (SOP) in place, including requiring passengers to secure police permission.

“Those entering or leaving the island must undergo Covid-19 screening tests and get approval from the authorities. There will be a drop in (frequency of) ferry services and it will only cater for those involved in essential services or have urgent matters in and out of the island.

“The Rompin and Mersing district offices will ensure those with symptoms are not allowed to board the ferry,” he said yesterday.

Johari, who is also the state Youth and Sports Committee chairman, said officers from the health department, marine department and the police force would monitor the two jetties on the mainland, and other smaller jetties at the island.

“Visitors are not allowed into the island. So the villagers there have to limit their movements and stay indoors as we do not want any further outbreak on other parts of the island,” he said, adding that the health authorities would start conducting targeted screening on all residents.

The district and land offices, along with the Social Welfare Department, the Pahang Social Action Council, the Tioman Development Authority as well as several others, he said, would distribute food supplies to some 900 families on the island.

“My service centre will get in touch with the village headmen to assist in distributing the aid. Several non-governmental organisations are helping us to ensure the welfare of the residents are being taken care of.”

Johari also said frontliners assigned to the island would get Covid-19 vaccination at the Tekek health clinic.