KOTA KINABALU: Daily commuters from Pulau Gaya continue to face unsafe conditions at dilapidated jetties, sparking calls for City Hall (DBKK) to open its newly launched jetty for public use.
Tanjung Aru assemblyman Datuk Junz Wong said islanders who rely on the jetties to travel between the island and the city say the current infrastructure is wet, slippery and worn out.
He said the facilities pose a risk, especially for the elderly, children and women.
Recently, DBKK opened a modern jetty under DBKK Holdings equipped with improved facilities and comfort. However, the jetty has been designated exclusively for tourism purposes.
"Kota Kinabalu already has two tourism jetties - Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal and the new DBKK jetty - while local residents are left with unsafe facilities," said Wong, who is Parti Warisan vice-president.
He said he had received numerous complaints from Pulau Gaya residents about the risks posed by the existing jetty.
He raised concerns about emergency situations, questioning whether the current infrastructure could support urgent medical transfers or the dignified transport of deceased individuals.
"Access to a safe and orderly jetty is not a luxury but a basic necessity," he added.
Wong fully supported the proposal to allow the DBKK jetty to be opened for public use, at least for daily commuting and emergencies.
"The move is seen as a way to ease the burden on Pulau Gaya residents and enhance safety. It will be for the welfare of the people. The rakyat should not be sidelined when it comes to safety and basic facilities," he said.
Hundreds of islanders commute by boat daily to the city, landing at the Kota Kinabalu central market area.
