Kota Kinabalu: The passenger ferry service between Kota Kinabalu and Federal Territory of Labuan has resumed after being suspended during Covid-19, strengthening maritime transport links and reopening a vital route for public mobility and inter-regional economic growth.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the resumption is not merely a logistical move but a clear signal of the Government’s concern for the welfare of the people in Sabah and Labuan.
“This service is very important to the people. It is not just a transport route, but a connector of families, education, tourism and business that has long existed,” he said when launching the service at the port, here, Tuesday.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});He said the disruption was due to several factors, including unsafe jetty structures, withdrawal of fuel subsidies for operators and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
As an immediate solution, the ferry terminal was relocated from Jesselton Point to Kota Kinabalu Port, with the operations now fully managed by the Kota Kinabalu Port authority.
“This project also received an allocation of RM1.3 million from the Federal Territories Ministry for improvement works.
“I express my appreciation to all agencies involved, including the Internal Affairs and Research Office (PHEDNP), Sabah Ports Authority (LPPS), Works Ministry, Federal Territories Ministry and the Suria Group, who have worked together to realise this initiative,” he said.
Hajiji said the ferry service is expected to have a positive impact on State’s tourism, especially in the lead-up to Visit Sabah Year 2026.
“It also opens up new opportunities in trade and investment between Sabah and Labuan,” he said.
He stressed that Sabah and Labuan have a shared history, culture and deep social connections, making this route highly significant for the people of both regions.
He said many Sabahans work and live in Labuan, and vice versa. Therefore, the reconnection of the route is meaningful for many.
He added that with the resumption, the public has more transport options — via air, overland to Menumbok or directly by express ferry from Kota Kinabalu to Labuan as before.
Hajiji said the launch also marks the beginning of a more robust, efficient and sustainable maritime transport framework, in line with the State’s aspiration to provide people-friendly and environmentally-friendly facilities for future generations.
He assured that the State Government is committed to ensuring no one is left behind due to logistical constraints and that infrastructure development will continue to be driven for inclusive progress.
Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Sabah Works Minister Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya, Senator Tan Sri Anifah Aman and other leaders.
