KOTA KINABALU: The announcement to resume the long-awaited Labuan-Kota Kinabalu ferry express service in mid-December last year was made without consulting the Sabah government, says Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
The Deputy Chief Minister III and Works Minister refuted a news report that the state government was indifferent to the situation.
He stressed that the state government has taken the matter seriously, with discussions and evaluations now underway following the announcement, not before it.
Describing the report as an "unfounded statement," Shahelmey clarified that the real issue was that the old jetty was not safe for use.
He stressed that communication with the Sabah government only began after the announcement was made
"Upon checking with the Sabah Ports Authority (SPA) and relevant agencies, there was no communication prior to that announcement."
Shahelmey said that the local government should have been consulted before the announcement was made by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa on Dec 8.
He said that the recent announcement raised concerns not only about the technical safety of the jetty but also about the failure to properly engage local authorities in a timely manner.
The jetty in question, now managed by Suria Capital Berhad, was declared unsafe for use in 2023 due to a deteriorating structure and unsafe foundation.
However, it was only after the ferry service announcement that any meaningful communication took place between the ferry operator, Suria Capital, and the SPA.
Shahelmey said that the lack of pre-announcement engagement resulted in important technical issues being left unaddressed, leading to the jetty being deemed unfit for ferry operations.
Upon realising the jetty’s unsafe condition, Suria Capital initially proposed an "all-gate catwalk" solution.
However, this plan was dismissed due to operational challenges, particularly with the Roll-on, Roll-off (Roro) ferry service, which allows vehicles to drive directly onto and off the ferry.
This service, which uses the jetty, would hinder passenger ferry operations.
An alternative solution was then suggested — the use of the South Jetty, located near the issue in question, but significant improvements are required before this jetty can safely accommodate ferry operations.
“Suria Capital is currently considering this option, but the delay in addressing the matter highlights a critical gap in the technical preparedness of the project,” Shahelmey said.
He further said that the failure to consult local authorities before the official announcement by the (federal) minister caused significant miscommunication and delays.
Despite being aware of the jetty’s unsafe condition, the decision to proceed without involving the Sabah government earlier led to unresolved technical concerns.
“They should have consulted the local government before the Prime Minister’s announcement, but they did not. The real issue here is the failure to address these concerns in a timely manner,” he said.
