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TAWAU: The Sabah Immigration Department will propose to the State Government for the Tawau Ferry Terminal (Tawau-Nunukan-Tawau) to operate on weekends, starting Feb 16.

Its Director Muhammad Sade Mohamad Amin said this follows requests from the Indonesian government through the Indonesian Consulate here and passengers

He said the matter was discussed with the relevant agencies in Tawau in his working visit to the district. 

Currently, the Tawau Ferry Terminal operates from Monday to Saturday only.

“In general, operating agencies at the ferry terminal have stated their agreement for ferry operations to be allowed on weekends, especially for ferry services between Tawau and Nunukan,” he told reporters during his two-day working, here, Wednesday.

However, he said the matter will be subjected to State Government’s approval, adding that it would be a positive move to allow Indonesians to visit Tawau on weekends.

Currently, ferry services from Tawau to Nunukan operated only on weekdays, a ride that takes less than two hours one-way.

Meanwhile, Muhamad Sade said his department is still looking for a suitable site to set up the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in Serudong as planned in Budget 2020. 

He said one location has been identified as facilities for the Indonesian side was now available, although a final decision still depended on pending technical issues, including a study by the State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) and the National Security Council (MKN).