Kota Kinabalu: Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael ‘Mang’ Sali confirmed that the maiden voyage of the Bongao-Lahad Datu sea route is scheduled next month.
“We are ready to organise our maiden voyage on September 28…the start of the less than three-hour sea journey will pave way for the resumption of normal trade (barter trade) and transhipment economic activities between Tawi-Tawi and Lahad Datu, Sabah,” Sali told Daily Express after paying courtesy calls to Sabah Immigration Director Datuk SH Sitti Saleha Habib Yusof and Sabah Maine Department Director Daar Bin Bukai @Adam Malik Tuesday.
The Governor assured that all documents and requirements from Malaysia would be strictly complied to ensure smooth operation of the much awaited new sea connectivity project mooted by the Philippines government via the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government and Malaysia.
Sali described the scheduled maiden voyage as timely now that both countries are trying their utmost to recover from the negative effects of the life-threatening Covid global pandemic.