KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Bersatu is calling for the government to take immediate action to cushion the impact of fare hikes for the ferry service between northern Kudat town and Banggi Island.
Its Women wing chief Rahimah Majid (pic) said the abrupt and unilateral decision by the sole ferry operator would severely affect poor islanders already struggling with poverty.
“The increase in ferry fares for the Kudat–Banggi route has serious consequences for the local population. Banggi is already grappling with economic hardship, and the higher transportation costs add another layer of financial burden,” she said.
It was announced that beginning Feb 1, the Kudat–Banggi ferry fare will increase by RM3, making the new rates RM26 for economy class, RM29 for second class and RM34 for VIP class.
The ferry operator justified the hike, citing higher minimum wages and rising costs for spare parts and engine maintenance.
Rahimah has called on the federal government to provide a 50% fare subsidy for Pulau Banggi residents and make an effort to ease the financial burden of the ferry operator.
“If the government can give a 50% subsidy for the Labuan ferry service, there is no reason it cannot provide the same for Pulau Banggi residents,” she said, adding that the island, a sub-district of Kudat, was one of Sabah’s poorest areas.
She said the fare increase would heavily impact low-income families, students and small businesses.
"Many residents rely on the ferry service for essential trips to Kudat for medical treatments.
"They also need to go for official matters at the government departments such as the National Registration Department, Education Department and the State Islamic Affairs Department,” she added.
Rahimah also suggested extending the government's fuel subsidy to the Kudat–Banggi ferry, similar to the diesel subsidies for ferry operators in Penang, Labuan, Langkawi, Pangkor, Tioman, Redang and Pulau Ketam, and proposed reduced fares for students and senior citizens.
Additionally, she called for the state government to open the route to more operators or initiate a community-run ferry service to enhance competition.
A petition will be launched to secure support from both state and federal governments for these initiatives.
