Labuan: The Labuan Ro-Ro Ferry Terminal will implement a new and upgraded ticketing system beginning December 1, 2025, aimed at providing a more convenient and flexible travel experience for commuters.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Labuan Point Enterprise manager Robert Ling Song Shieng stated that the enhanced system is designed to allow travellers to change their travel time without the need to queue at the counter, offering greater flexibility, especially during peak travel periods.
Ling emphasized that the upgrade aligns with the government's new implementation of e-invoice, enabling smoother digital processes and improved record-keeping for both operators and passengers. He explained that the online ticketing allocation would remain limited to about 30 to 40 percent of total capacity due to the variable space requirements of different vehicle sizes, ensuring safe and optimal loading.
Recently, long queues at the terminal were attributed to a temporary halt of the online ticketing system, compelling travellers to purchase tickets at the counter. The situation was exacerbated by a surge in demand for advance purchases ahead of the Sabah state election on November 29, the school holiday season, Christmas, and return travel to Labuan. Ling noted that the company anticipates a surge of 9,000 to 10,000 travellers for the polling day, with double that volume expected during the school break and Christmas period, necessitating additional crowd-control measures.
To alleviate the current congestion, Ling announced that beginning tomorrow, the ticketing company will provide chairs and a tent behind the Marine Department building, located opposite the ticketing counter, for travellers waiting to purchase tickets. Travellers will receive a queue number, allowing them to wait comfortably without standing in line. This initiative is part of immediate measures to manage crowds while ensuring safety and comfort.
Ling added that the planned new system is expected to significantly reduce manual transactions and improve passenger flow at the terminal. Labuan's Ro-Ro ferry services remain a crucial transport link between the island and the Sabah mainland, supporting travel, trade, and logistics, especially during peak seasons.