Hajiji (right) with Zaliha at the launch of the jetty and ferry service at KK Port's CIOS Terminal on May 27. – BERNAMApic
LABUAN: The Labuan-Kota Kinabalu-Labuan express ferry service officially resumed operations on Wednesday (May 28), restoring a crucial transport link after a suspension of more than three years because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Labuan-based Kinabalu Express departed the Labuan International Ferry Terminal (LIFT) at 10am at capacity.
The return trip from Kota Kinabalu is scheduled for 8am Thursday (May 29).
The vessel can accommodate 212 passengers, offering 146 economy and 66 business class seats.
Daily trips will continue until Tuesday (June 3) to coincide with the Harvest Festival and school holidays.
From June 4 onwards, the ferry will operate every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with possible adjustments based on demand.
A promotional fare campaign is being conducted until Aug 3 in conjunction with the Borneo Flora Festival (BFF), aimed at encouraging ridership.
During this period, Malaysians may buy tickets for RM35 (adults) and RM22.50 (children), while business class fares are RM45 and RM27.50 respectively.
Foreign passengers will be charged RM80 (adults) and RM45 (children) for economy, and RM90 and RM50 for first class. Standard fares will apply from June 4, with slight increases across categories.
Tickets are available online at labuanpay.my and can also be purchased at LIFT or the Jesselton Point ticketing counters in Kota Kinabalu.
Prior to the pandemic, the route served up to 120,000 passengers annually.
LIFT chief executive officer Noor Halim Zaini, when met on Wednesday, hoped the ferry's return would spur regional tourism and help revitalise Labuan’s local economy.
On Tuesday (May 27), it was reported that Putrajaya had approved a RM1.3mil allocation for Kota Kinabalu Port jetty repair and upgrading works as a prerequisite for restoring the express ferry service with Labuan.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said improved connectivity between the two areas would stimulate growth across various sectors and strengthen the Bornean states' economic bloc.
"…this express ferry service carries great significance as it is set to become a catalyst for the regional economic, social, and developmental networks, including reinforcing family ties, facilitating the community's daily affairs, supply chains, and local socio-economic dynamics," she said at the jetty and passenger ferry launching ceremony by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at Kota Kinabalu Port. – Bernama
