Sabah resumed the Kota Kinabalu–Labuan ferry service on Tuesday, following years of suspension due to safety concerns, fuel subsidy cuts, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor officiated the relaunch, calling it a key step toward restoring mobility, economic ties, and social connections between the state and the federal territory.

“This isn’t just a transport route. It’s a connection that binds families, education, tourism, and business between Sabah and Labuan,” Hajiji said at the launch held at Kota Kinabalu Port.

The service now operates via the old Kota Kinabalu Port instead of Jesselton Point, which was declared unsafe in 2023. 

The Federal Territories Ministry allocated RM1.3 million for upgrading works at the new terminal.

Hajiji said the ferry’s return would strengthen Sabah’s tourism sector, especially ahead of Visit Sabah Year 2026, while also enhancing trade and investment opportunities between Sabah and Labuan. 

Labuan authorities and community leaders had earlier expressed frustration over the delays, blaming the holdup on unresolved issues on the Sabah side previously. 

They had pressed for the reopening of the Jesselton Point terminal, unaware it had been deemed unfit for operations in 2023. 

The ferry was originally scheduled to resume on December 15, 2024, as announced by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa on December 7 that year.

But Sabah’s minister-in-charge of ports, Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, later clarified that Labuan officials had only reached out to Sabah after the date was publicly announced.

He said there was no prior consultation with Sabah before the resumption was made public.

Hajiji did not comment on the matter but emphasised the state’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive infrastructure.

“The state is committed to ensuring that no citizen is left behind due to logistical constraints,” he said.

With many Sabahans living and working in Labuan — and vice versa — the renewed ferry service is expected to improve travel flexibility.

It complements existing travel options, including flights and land connections via Menumbok.

“This ferry isn’t just a mode of transport — it’s a bridge of hope, economic opportunity, and human connection,” Hajiji said. – May 27, 2025