The much-anticipated Labuan-Kota Kinabalu ferry service, which never resumed despite plan for resumption in mid-December last year, has drawn brickbats from various quarters in Labuan.
The service was supposed to resume on Dec. 15, as announced by Federal Minister Datuk Zaleha Mustafa, but never did until today.
Labuan Indian Chamber of Commerce chairman Datuk Dahir Singh said many locals were disappointed as they had been looking forward to the convenience of fast sea travel.
“The ferry was a popular option for Labuan residents. The sudden halt is frustrating, especially when people are left in the dark,” Dahir said in Labuan recently.
He blamed the delay on unprepared facilities at Jesselton Point, claiming Sabah authorities should have been more proactive.
Meanwhile, Labuan Women’s Affairs Association chief Fauziah Zain Dini said the setback shows Sabah’s lack of interest in Labuan’s economic welfare.
“It is disappointing that Sabah authorities seemed unbothered about the impact on Labuan’s tourism and economy,” Fauziah said.
However, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Malaysia (CILTM) Sabah chairman Daniel Doughty has called for calm and collaboration to resolve the issue.
“The blame game achieves nothing. We need fresh engagement and dialogue to find solutions,” Doughty said.
He added that NGOs in Labuan should conduct thorough research on the timeline of events before pointing fingers.
“This ferry service is crucial for both Labuan and Sabah. Improved connectivity will benefit both sides economically and socially,” he said.
Doughty urged all stakeholders to focus on finding solutions rather than fuelling divisions.
The ferry service, which was last operational before the Covid-19 pandemic, has long been seen as a vital link to enhance regional ties.
Labuan residents have been clamouring for its return, citing the high cost and inconvenience of travelling via air or road.
To date, authorities from both Labuan and Sabah have yet to announce when the service will resume.
The Labuan-Kota Kinabalu ferry remains an important project for the region’s economic integration. – January 11, 2025.
