Regional Economic Partnership Elevated at ASEAN-GCC-China Summit Signifies a New Era
Resumption of Passenger Ferry Service between Kota Kinabalu and Labuan Reignites Inter-Regional Connectivity
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah—The much-awaited passenger ferry service connecting Kota Kinabalu and Labuan has finally resumed operations after a hiatus of three years, a move expected to reinforce public mobility and foster economic growth across the two regions.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor lauded the resumption as more than a mere logistical milestone, citing the service as a pivotal connector that is instrumental in bridging family ties, education, tourism, and business linkages. He made these remarks during the launch ceremony at Kota Kinabalu Port on May 27.
The ongoing disruption of the ferry service over the past five years was attributed to various factors such as unsafe jetty infrastructure, fuel subsidy removal for operators, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial plans for the service's reopening were delayed due to safety concerns.
The ferry terminal has since been relocated from Jesselton Point to Kota Kinabalu Port, with the port authority now managing its operations. To board the three-hour ferry ride to Labuan, passengers must first purchase tickets at Jesselton Point and then take a shuttle to the ferry terminal at the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) area of Kota Kinabalu Port.
Sabah Ports assistant manager Kane Primus shared that ticket counters at Jesselton Point operate from 6.15 am to 7.20 am for the 8 am departure. Ticket prices for economy and business class seats show a slight premium during the promotional period, expected to last from May 28 until August 3, but still remain lower than the fares for the same services in vehicles and flights.
In a bid to enhance the economic expansion in the tourism sector, particularly in anticipation of Sabah's Visit Sabah Year 2026, and stimulate new trade and investment opportunities between Sabah and Labuan, the federal government has earmarked RM1.3 million for upgrading works related to the ferry service.
"Many Sabahans work and reside in Labuan, and vice versa. Therefore, the resumption of this route holds great meaning for many," Hajiji said, acknowledging the service's impact on the local population. Previously, commuters had to drive approximately two hours to Menumbok to board a vehicle ferry or opt for a 35-minute flight to reach Labuan.
At present, discussions regarding potential political partnerships ahead of the state election remain undecided, with the incumbent Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) state government focused primarily on defending its current power structure, as conveyed by Hajiji to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
[1] Sabah Times[2] The Borneo Post[3] The Star Online[4] The Malaysian Reserve[5] Sabah News Agency
- The resumption of the passenger ferry service between Kota Kinabalu and Labuan is a significant development in the general news, contributing to the economy of both regions by fostering business, education, and tourism connections.
- The federal government's allocation of RM1.3 million for upgrading works indicates its commitment to improving infrastructure in Sabah and encouraging economic growth.
- The ongoing discussions about potential political partnerships ahead of the state election indicate that politics in Malaysia continues to be a hot topic, with the incumbent government focusing on maintaining its power structure.
- The journey from Kota Kinabalu to Labuan via public-transit is now more affordable with the resumption of the ferry service, offering an attractive alternative to vehicle and flight fares, making news in the finance and business sections.
- The court system in Malaysia remains important as the government's actions, such as the removal of fuel subsidies for ferry operators, can have significant economic implications affecting industry and finance.
- Immigrants and Sabahans working in Labuan can take advantage of the resumed ferry service, making it easier to commute between the two regions, improving their quality of life and contributing to the social dynamics of the two regions.
- Education and tourism are set to receive a boost as the resumption of the ferry service will facilitate easier travel, making news in Sabah's media outlets like Sabah Times, The Borneo Post, and the Sabah News Agency.
- Labuan's transportation system will see an improvement with the resumption of the ferry service, as it connects the region to Kota Kinabalu, enhancing its public-transit system and attracting increased attention in transportation and business news.
