Consumerism task force for Labuan

LABUAN: The Ministry of Federal Territories has agreed to set up a special task force to resolve the instability of goods prices in this duty-free-island.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, said rising public grievances had prompted the setting of the task force.

“The task force is needed under the current economic situation, and it must consist of relevant parties such as non-governmental organisations (NGOs), consumer bodies and chambers of commerce,” he said at a Town Hall Session with Labuan folks yesterday.

He said the subsidy for sea transportation bringing goods from the mainland of Sabah to Labuan island had been scrapped this year, as it was found to have not helped stabilise prices of goods.

“However, the government has agreed to continue giving subsidy for passengers using sea transport like fast passenger boats and ferries, which amounts to RM9 million annually through Labuan Corporation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tengku Adnan said Labuan Corporation was still completing a blue print detailing sustainable development, education and transport system for Labuan.

“The blue print scheduled for completion in 2016 is to ensure the long-term development of Labuan for the people and the government,” he said.

He also said the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) located at the Labuan Sentral Market complex is scheduled to start operation on Dec 15, with a number of government agencies like Customs and Immigration relocating their branches to the building.

“Efforts are in the pipeline to ensure Labuan will not be left behind in the area of education. We have upgraded the facilities of Pusat Giat Mara in tandem with the high demand of the oil and gas sector,” he said.