BEBC Sabah to save Lahad Datu-Sulawesi ferry route
KOTA KINABALU: The BIMPEAGA Business Council Sabah (BEBC-Sabah) will identify an enhanced integrated business strategy to help the operator of the Lahad Datu-Sulawesi ferry services sustain operation.
“I believe our transportation mechanism should be reviewed and better linked with industrial players, tourism packaging and investment opportunities,” BEBC Sabah chairman Dr Raymond Alfred said.
He said this in response to the disappointment of Sulawesibased M/V Cathleya Express regarding poor passenger load.
Ferry owner Rudy Effendi last week said the Lahad DatuTanjung Silopo new sea route is not receiving encouraging response after two scheduled voyages in December and January.
He hoped passenger load would increase in the coming months.
Rudy also expressed fears of eventual suspension of the ferry service should the company continued to experience poor response from the public in Sabah.
The company has set aside a substantial amount of financial budget for three to six months of operations.
Expressing concern, Raymond said he together with some members will personally welcome the third scheduled arrival of the ferry in Lahad Datu on February 19.
“While there, we will sit down with the owner and other parties concerned to identify the problems and best solutions to promote the ferry trips,” he said.
Raymond explained that energy, industrial hub and business engagement must be enhanced between Lahad Datu and Sulawesi and at the same with Kudat-Palawan.
“This is not a one night initiative but may need longterm planning. I believe we should also involve our special envoy in this mechansim, but once we bypass the protocol, Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia may not be able to follow up on this matter since he believes we have already achieved success without his intervention and diplomatic network,” the chairman stressed.
As a short-term and immediate solution, Raymond suggested that the ferry operator should temporarily consider reduce its once-a-month voyage while looking for holistic solution to the problem.
It would also be wise, he suggested if the operator will also in the meantime use a smaller vessel for the new route.
“Will sit down and seek advice from our special envoy Pandikar …one head is better than one,” Raymond said.
I believe our transportation mechanism should be reviewed and better linked with industrial players, tourism packaging and investment opportunities.
Dr Raymond Alfred