Review licence of Labuan ferry operator – council

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LABUAN: The Labuan Consumer Movement Council chairperson has called on the government to restudy its decision to issue a licence to Juta Bonus Sdn Bhd to operate a roll-on/roll off (roro) ferry here.

Its chairperson, Hajah Fauziah Datuk Mohd Din, claimed that the operator has yet to deliver satisfactory service that meets the requirements of ferry users here.

The Transport Ministry granted a ferry operating licence to Juta Bonus and Labuan Mainland Link Sdn Bhd to operate a ferry in 2011 in addition to that provided by Labuan Ferry Corporation (LFC) Sdn Bhd.

“We have three ferry operators on paper, but in reality what we have right now is only one ferry operator because of the unavailability of the other ferries and their services. Normally, only two ferries, one from LFC and the other one from Labuan Mainland Link Sdn Bhd operate regularly on a daily basis, while the ferry owned by Juta Bonus Sdn Bhd has not been in service since 2012,” she said, adding that the other roro ferry (smaller one) operated by LFC is used only during the festive season.

Juta Bonus previously operated its sole ferry, Kimanis 1, before it put out of service, while Labuan Mainland Link operates its ferry, Putra Jaya 1, after its maiden voyage back in May this year.

Based on the present situation of the ferry services here, Hajah Fauziah pointed out that the government must be careful in their decision to appoint ferry operators. They must strictly review the operator’s credibility and reliability to render the service to the people’s satisfaction and for their convenience.

“Without reliability, the appointed ferry operator would not be able to provide a satisfactory ferry service for the people to use whenever a problem arose. I am confused as to what happened to the ferry, Kimanis 1, as what I read in a newspaper, they claimed that the ferry is there, but their ticketing counters here in Labuan are closed.

“If this situation continues, we have every right to blame the relevant ministry responsible for appointing the ferry operator, as in the end, it is the government’s decision that is having an effect on the people as it would be difficult for them to travel between Labuan and Sabah (Menumbok),” she said, adding that their plans to improve the ferry services had been in vain due to poor decision making on the part of the government.

Hajah Fauziah reiterated that the government has to take positive steps to resolve this problem, pointing out that if Juta Bonus could no longer operate its ferry service, then, the government should consider revoking their licence to operate the ferry service.

“The government must be transparent and firm on this matter. The people of Labuan have suffered because of the ferry problem, while the bridge to link Labuan to Sabah has yet to be materialized by the government,” she said.

Meanwhile, Hajah Fauziah disclosed that she is quite satisfied with the service provided by Putra Jaya 1 ferry as it is punctual and fast, and many passengers or ferry users here prefer to use this ferry because of its larger size which could load more vehicles and passengers.