Ministry backs ferry service
KOTA KINABALU: The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment is fully supportive of the soon-to-be launched Kudat-Palawan roll-on, roll-off ferry service.
“My ministry and I are in full support of the initiative of the Palawan Provincial Governor, Jose C. Alvarez, to open the new Kudat-Palawan sea link in February,” said Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun.
Masidi gave the assurance during a courtesy call cum dinner event held at a leading hotel here, in the belief that the opening of the new sea route will surely enhance the relationship between Malaysia and the Philippines, particularly the province of Palawan.
He said, the Kudat-Palawan ferry service will also be beneficial to both parties specially in the tourism sector.
“I am happy to note that the Kudat-Palawan ferry service is now set to start operation in February after a long wait.
“I am very encouraged by the initiative of Governor Alvarez. Palawan is considered as one of the peaceful and environmentally friendly place in the Philippines,” Masidi stressed.
The minister reiterated that Palawan is the nearest neighbour of Sabah and there are many opportunities that the people of both borders can take part in and utilise to their advantage, especially in the tourism sector.
“I consider the visit of Governor Alvarez as a clear testimony of his desire to have better working relationship with Malaysians, particularly Sabahans,” said Masidi.
He added: I have personally assured Governor Alvarez and his people that my ministry will work together with Palawan to ensure that we will all benefit from the tourism industry, which is fast becoming a major revenue earner of Sabah and Palawan.
“I also informed Governor Alvarez that I will be visiting Palawan soon to build up the foundation for a common ground which will encourage foreign visitors to visit both places," Masidi disclosed.
Upon arrival here on his private jet on Tuesday, Alvarez went about to meet several local businessmen to brief them on details and other business opportunities, including other preparations of the much awaited ferry service.
In the evening, Alvarez, together with his group paid a courtesy call on Masidi at a leading hotel here where the latter was also officially briefed on the mechanics of the much awaited ferry service.
Alvarez thanked Masidi and the Sabah Tourism Board for the warm welcome extended to him and assured that he will also continue to work together with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment for the benefit of both borders.
He added that the bad weather conditions in the Philippines had caused the postponement of the maiden voyage of the ferry service.
“We were supposed to have our maiden voyage before Christmas, but was forced to cancel our plans because of two strong typhoons that hit the country last week. Palawan and other places in the Philippines recorded dozens of deaths and severe damage as a result of the typhoons,” he explained.
Also present during the courtesy call cum dinner were Sabah Tourism Board general manager, Gordon Yapp, and his officers, BIMP-EAGA Sabah executive chairman, Datuk Roselan Johar, officials and invited guests.