Latest news with #Labuan
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Labuan-Kota Kinabalu ferry resumes after three-year Covid pause, first sailing at full capacity
LABUAN, May 29 — The Labuan–Kota Kinabalu–Labuan express ferry service officially resumed operations yesterday, restoring a crucial transport link between Labuan and the Sabah mainland after a suspension of more than three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Labuan-based Kinabalu Express, at full capacity, departed the Labuan International Ferry Terminal (LIFT), which is managed by LDA Holdings, at 10am, with the return trip from Kota Kinabalu scheduled for today at 8am. The vessel, operated by Double Power, can accommodate 212 passengers, offering 146 economy and 66 business class seats. Daily trips will continue from May 28 to 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 introduced from yesterday until August 3 in conjunction with the Borneo Flora Festival (BFF), aimed at encouraging ridership. During this period, Malaysian adults can purchase economy tickets at RM35 and children at RM22.50, while first-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 starting June 4, with slight increases across categories. Tickets are available online at and can also be purchased at the Labuan International Ferry Terminal and 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 here yesterday, expressed hope that the ferry's return will spur regional tourism and help revitalise Labuan's local economy. — Bernama
Malay Mail
27-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Passenger ferry service between Kota Kinabalu and Labuan resumes after three-year hiatus
KOTA KINABALU, May 27 — The passenger ferry service connecting the state capital and Labuan has resumed operations after a three-year suspension, a move that Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said will boost public mobility and foster inter-regional economic growth. Hajiji described the resumption of the vital sea route as more than a logistical milestone, calling it a people-focused initiative. 'This service is crucial for the people. It is not just a transport route, but a connector for family ties, education, tourism, and long-standing business relations,' he said during the launch ceremony at Kota Kinabalu Port today. The ferry service had been disrupted over the past five years due to various issues, including unsafe jetty infrastructure, the removal of fuel subsidies for operators, and the COVID-19 pandemic. While its reopening was initially slated for earlier this year, safety concerns caused delays. The ferry terminal has now been relocated from Jesselton Point to Kota Kinabalu Port, with operations managed entirely by the port authority. Currently, passengers must purchase tickets at Jesselton Point before taking a shuttle bus from Jesselton Quay to the CIQ terminal at Kota Kinabalu Port. There, they go through customs and immigration before boarding the three-hour ferry to Labuan. According to Sabah Ports assistant manager Kane Primus, ticket counters at Jesselton Point operate from 6.15am to 7.20am for the 8am departure. Economy class return tickets are priced at RM45 for Malaysian adults and RM90 for non-Malaysians, while first-class fares are RM55 for Malaysians and RM100 for non-Malaysians. Promotional fares, valid from May 28 to August 3, are RM35 and RM45 for economy and first-class tickets for Malaysians, and RM80 and RM90 for non-Malaysians. From May 28 to June 3, the ferry will run daily, after which it will operate every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Hajiji said the federal government, through the Federal Territories Ministry, had allocated RM1.3 million for upgrading works related to the ferry service. The chief minister also highlighted the service's potential to enhance Sabah's tourism sector, especially ahead of Visit Sabah Year 2026, and its role in opening new trade and investment opportunities between Sabah and Labuan. 'Many Sabahans work and reside in Labuan, and vice versa. Therefore, the resumption of this route holds great meaning for many,' he added. Previously, travellers had to drive about two hours to Menumbok to board a vehicle ferry or take a 35-minute flight to reach Labuan. Meanwhile, Hajiji, who chairs the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) state government, said no decision had been made regarding potential political partnerships ahead of the state election. 'We have not decided yet. Our focus now is to defend the current GRS-PH government. This is our foundation, and we have conveyed this to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,' he said. Hajiji added that discussions on electoral cooperation would take place at a later time, as the state assembly has not been dissolved. His comments follow recent calls from Sabah PKR chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud for GRS to clarify its stance on collaborating with Pakatan Harapan in Sabah ahead of the polls.
Barnama
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Youth Councils Should Function As Platforms To Build Inclusive MADANI Nation
KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 (Bernama) -- Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said youth councils should not be merely a meeting ground but must function as a space for young people to rely on and innovate to build an inclusive MADANI nation. She said that towards this end, the youth councils especially the Federal Territories Youth Council (MBWP) need to open its doors wide to receive and seek the views of youth from outside the walls of the MBWP organisation. 'In my opinion, we also need to hear the voices of the youth outside the official circles, such as e-hailing drivers, small traders, creative workers or digital content creators because they are not part of associations, Certainly, they are also productive citizens with great aspirations. 'I am worried that if we wait for them to unite, we will will lose this group for the umpteenth time,' she said in her speech at the National Youth Day Celebration for the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur here today. Additionally, Dr Zaliha also said that she agreed to chair the National Youth Consultative Council at the Federal Territory level, with Labuan's participation included in the Federal Territory. 'Previously, Labuan operated separately so this time we are asking for it to be merged so that the overall result becomes more solid," she said. In addition, she also expressed her willingness to listen and accept any suggestions, views, and constructive criticisms from that group and hopes that the youth will always be more mature and constructive. To support and implement programmes at the MBWP level, Dr Zaliha announced an allocation of RM50,000 as the MBWP administration fund for the year 2025. 'Insya-Allah, with the MADANI spirit and close cooperation between the government and youth, I am confident the Federal Territory can become the best model of inclusivity in this beloved country," she added.
Free Malaysia Today
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Migrant repatriation programme extended until April 2026
The Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0 is not open to individuals who registered but failed to leave under the previous programme. (Bernama pic) PUTRAJAYA : The government has extended the Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0 (PRM 2.0) for undocumented migrants in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan from May 19 this year until April 30, 2026. Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the decision, approved by the relevant regulatory bodies, including the Attorney-General's Chambers, was to allow undocumented migrants to return to their home countries voluntarily without facing legal action. 'PRM 2.0 is not open to individuals who registered but failed to leave under the previous programme. 'It is also not available to those blacklisted by the immigration department, individuals with arrest warrants, or those wanted by the authorities,' he told a press conference after presenting the immigration department's excellent service awards here today. Those who qualify for PRM 2.0 will not be prosecuted but will be required to pay a compound fine based on the nature of their offence. Saifuddin said that under PRM 2.0, a compound fine of RM500 would be imposed on individuals who enter or remain in Malaysia without a valid pass, as well as those who stay beyond the permitted period. A compound fine of RM300 is also levied for violations of pass conditions. Applicants are required to pay RM20 for each issuance of a special pass. 'Foreign children under 18 years old who have overstayed or were brought into Malaysia without a valid pass are exempted from the compound fine but must still pay the RM20 fee for the special pass,' he said. Individuals with special legal status, such as foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens who have overstayed, are required to present themselves at the immigration department's visa, pass and permit division for pass adjustment. 'The home ministry urges all parties, including foreign representatives, employers and migrant communities, to disseminate this information and encourage early participation to avoid congestion as the deadline approaches,' he said.
Barnama
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Barnama
Labuan Siblings Secure Third Straight Victory In Int'l Round Island Kayak Challenge 2025
LABUAN, April 27 (Bernama) -- Local siblings Nadzmar Sukarno and Shahdan Sukarno continued their remarkable dominance in sea sports by clinching their third consecutive victory in the Labuan International Round Island Kayak Challenge 2025. Representing the Labuan Canoe Association, the brothers showcased outstanding endurance and determination by winning the 51.2-kilometre race, despite undergoing only three months of training ahead of the competition. The Labuan Round Island Kayak Challenge, renowned for its demanding course that circumnavigates Labuan Island, drew 48 participants from various states across Malaysia, and neighbouring Brunei. bootstrap slideshow Competitors battled strong sea currents, unpredictable weather, and open-water conditions, making it a true test of physical and mental strength. Labuan Corporation chief executive officer, Mohd Sukuran Taib praised the brothers' achievement, noting that their success underscores the growing strength of Labuan's athlete development programmes. He said their achievement reaffirmed their status as among Malaysia's top kayak athletes. 'The victory of Nadzmar and Shahdan for the third year in a row is a testament to their exceptional discipline, skill, and perseverance. 'Winning an event of this scale and difficulty with only three months of preparation is simply remarkable. 'This success also reflects the effectiveness of Labuan's ongoing efforts to nurture sporting talent, particularly in sea sports. It is achievements like these that inspire young athletes to strive for excellence,' he said to Bernama after the event's closing ceremony today.
