Ferry set to ply Brunei-Labuan route

LABUAN: A ro-ro ferry named MV Shuttle made its maiden trip from Muara, Brunei to the island yesterday as its prepares to ply between the two destinations early next month before the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.

The MV Shuttle anchoring at the Labuan port.

Upon its arrival, Labuan Member of Parliament, Datuk Yussof Mahal, was invited to tour the triple-decker vessel, which can transport up to 40 cars and 200 passengers.

Yussof told a press conference aboard the ferry that there is a need for an understanding between the two countries – Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam – to ensure smooth ferry operations for the convenience of both locals and tourists.

He said there must be certain requirements to be fulfilled by the governments of both countries, such as the regulations for the cars coming from Brunei and vice versa.

The two existing ferries plying between Labuan and Menumbok are insufficient, and there should be four to five ferries to meet the increasing demand, he said.

Meanwhile, Chin Mook Seng, the managing director of P.K.L Jaya Sdn Bhd, which operates the MV Shuttle, said travel on the ferry which was bought from Japan would be comfortable.

“We are planning to do four trips daily — two from Brunei and another two from this island,” he said.

“The trips from Muara, Brunei to this island will start at 9.30am and 3.30pm, while from here to Brunei will be at 11am and 5pm,” he said.

“Everyone is excited now and it is an interesting experience to ride your car directly from either Brunei or this island on this ferry,” he said.

Chin said the fares will be reasonable and competitive, and the ferry is expected to travel at 14 knots per hour and will take about one hour and 35 minutes to complete each trip.

P.K.L Jaya Sdn Bhd has appointed a company here, Farz Services & Supply, as its agent to handle the logistic operations, including ticket sales and promotions.

The Farz Services & Supply is a subsidiary of HMD Automobile Sdn Bhd, whose managing direcotr Hajah Fauziah Datuk Mohd Din said the shuttle ferry services are a blessing for the people here and in Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak.

“It is a focal point for another transformation here especially in business and economic growth,” she said.

“Hopefully this transport services would boost the tourism industry in this island,” she said.