The ministry said the surcharge would be imposed on general users and all tourists, while local residents and those who rely on such services for their daily commute will be exempted.
It will apply to passenger ferries as well as roll-on, roll-off ferries, also known as ro-ro ferries.
In a statement, the ministry said the mechanism for the bunker fuel surcharge would ensure that the fee is targeted instead of applying across the board.
The surcharge rate will be reviewed each month based on average global oil prices, with the rates as follows:
- Up to RM4 per litre – 0%
- RM4.01 to RM5 per litre – 5%
- RM5.01 to RM6 per litre – 8%
- RM6.01 to RM7 per litre – 12%
- RM7.01 to RM8 per litre – 15%
- Over RM8 per litre – 18%
The ministry said the surcharge would be capped at 18% based on technical considerations, consumer sensitivity, and the need to control inflation.
It said this was not to bring further profit for ferry service operators, but to ensure that their services could continue without disruption amid the surge in fuel prices.