Semporna boat operators change strategy for economic survival

SEMPORNA: Boat passenger operators in Pulau Bum Bum, near here, has changed their service strategy to enable each operator earn income continuously for survival, following implementation of the Covid-19 Movement Control Order (MCO).

The Semporna Balimbang Hired Boat Operators Association chairman, Nasir Abu Bakar said the initiative was agreed upon by the 75 boat operators who regarded the new move as apt during the current situation.

“We are adversely affected by the MCO and the standard operating procedure (SOP) set while there are lesser passengers now. As we understand the situation, we decided to implement the concept of taking turns (to (ferry passengers), so all will have about the same income,” he told Bernama.

He said the 75 boat operators were divided into three groups, with each group taking turns to provide the boat rides for two days each time.

“This ensures a shorter wait in ge ing passengers and at least 20 trips per day for each boat from the Balimbang jetty to Semporna town.

“Each boat must follow the SOP including ensuring only 50 per cent passenger capacity at any one time from the usual full capacity of 12 passengers and the fare is RM2 one way,” he added.

Nasir said because of the pandemic, their income was also affected during the festival holidays as less of the islanders who were working in other districts returned to their villages due to the movement restriction.

He hoped the state government would once again provide a financial aid of RM300 to each boat operator affected by the current MCO as besides being hampered by the SOP, the boats were allowed to operate for shorter hours now, from 6 am to 2 pm only.