KOTA KINABALU: The proposal for a bridge linking Labuan and Sabah, which first came up two decades ago, is being raised again, with a business and industrial group touting it as a big boost to businesses and the economy.
Dewan Perniagaan dan Perusahaan Kadayan Malaysia said if the bridge was built, it would benefit not only small and medium enterprises (SMEs) but big companies too.
“Other than economic benefits, we could see savings in logistics and travel costs because they would have more options than just using courier services, sea travel via ferry, or flights,” said its spokesman Mohd Faizal Malik.
He said suppliers could send their products directly to customers, while ehailing services might also be expanded, thus benefiting their drivers.
This means more job opportunities, he said, adding that ehailing services had expanded beyond transporting just people.
The extent of economic growth and activities between the island and Sabah would be vast if this bridge were to be constructed, Mohd Faizal said in a statement yesterday.
On Feb 18, Parti Bersatu Sabah vice-president and its Labuan division chief Datuk Peter Mak said the island needed a bridge to mainland Sabah in order for the offshore financial island to grow and “fulfil its true potential”.
He said among the important requirements of sound industrial growth were adequate and stable supply of utilities like power and water, and the availability of good infrastructure, which includes the proposed bridge.
He added that the proposed Labuan-Menumbok bridge and the island’s development could not be viewed in isolation.
