LABUAN: The authorities in Labuan need the support of the Sabah Government to help realise the aspirations of the residents of the Federal Territory to develop infrastructure linking the mainland of Sabah with the duty-free island.
Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) Sabah Secretary-General, Senator Datuk Edward Linggu, said Labuan’s efforts to expand sea transport to various destinations in the mainland of Sabah and to build the Labuan-Menumbok bridge would not be achievable without strong support from the Sabah Government.
“The efforts of the authorities in Labuan to expand sea transport and build the bridge to Menumbok can only be achieved with full support from the Sabah Government because some of the areas for sea transport, landing, and bridge construction are under the jurisdiction of the Sabah Government,” he said.
Linggu, a former Tamparuli Assemblyman, made this statement during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Chairman of the Labuan Corporation, Simsudin Sidek, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LDA Holdings, Noor Halim Datuk Haji Zaini here.
During the meeting at the Labuan Corporation, Linggu was briefed on the development plans for Labuan, where Simsudin strongly raised the request for the Sabah Government to provide strong support for the construction of the Labuan-Menumbok bridge, which has been delayed since it was first planned.
Meanwhile, Noor Halim, in his briefing on the operation of various types of boats and ferries to several destinations in mainland Sabah, hoped that a specific department within the Sabah Government could become a strategic partner for Labuan.
“The plan to resume the Labuan-Kota Kinabalu express ferry service was delayed due to discussions about the landing jetty in Kota Kinabalu, which involved various department and agencies,” he said.
According to Linggu, who is also the Chairman of the Sabah Rubber Industry Board (LIGS), the Sabah Government’s support for efforts to develop the Labuan-Sabah crossing infrastructure would also have a positive impact on the economic development of Sabah in the fields of shipping investment and infrastructure construction.
Linggu further expressed hope that the Labuan Corporation would begin discussions with the Sabah Government to seek approval and cooperation to implement the construction of the Labuan-Menumbok bridge.
Present was Datuk Kapitan Stephen Teo, who is also LIGS board of director and Coordinator of Star Labuan.
