Kota Kinabalu: The federal government has approved an allocation of RM1.3 million for the Kota Kinabalu Port jetty repair and upgrading works as a prerequisite for restoring the express ferry service between Kota Kinabalu and the Labuan Federal Territory.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, emphasized that improved connectivity between the two areas will stimulate growth across various sectors and strengthen East Malaysia's economic bloc. She remarked on the significance of the express ferry service as a catalyst for regional economic, social, and developmental networks, including reinforcing family ties and facilitating the community's daily affairs, supply chains, and local socio-economic dynamics.
Dr Zaliha spoke at the Kota Kinabalu-Labuan jetty and passenger ferry launching ceremony, officiated by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at Kota Kinabalu Port. The passenger ferry service operations were suspended for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Zaliha noted that the suspension affected students, patients, traders, and civil servants, with increased costs and longer travel times impacting their welfare and daily productivity. However, with the service resumption, travel time between the two locations can now be reduced to around three hours from the previous five hours.
She mentioned over 400,000 trips were recorded via the sea routes, specifically Menumbok and Sipitang, in 2024 for various purposes, while more than 145,000 journeys were recorded in the first four months of this year. With the launch of this route, the total projected sea travels between Sabah and Labuan are expected to increase to 500,000, generating economic spillovers and reviving the coastal economy, particularly in the food, transportation, accommodation, and retail sectors.
In his speech, Hajiji highlighted the resumption of the ferry service as a boost to the maritime transport network and a reopening of a vital route for people's mobility and cross-regional economic development. He noted that service disruptions were also caused by unsafe jetty structures and the withdrawal of fuel subsidies for operators. As an immediate solution, the ferry terminal was relocated from Jesselton Point to Kota Kinabalu Port, with operational management entirely handled by the port.
Hajiji stated that the ferry service is expected to positively impact the state's tourism sector, especially ahead of Visit Sabah Year 2026, while opening new opportunities in trade and investment between Sabah and Labuan. He expressed that the service resumption also marks the beginning of a stronger, more efficient, and sustainable maritime transportation framework, aligning with the state's aspiration to provide people-friendly and environmentally friendly facilities for future generations.