Meet on Kudat-Palawan sea link

Kota Kinabalu: A significant step towards the realisation of sea connectivity between Kudat and Palawan province in the Philippines was taken recently.

The initial discussions took place in Makati City, Philippines, focusing on the potential operation of ferry services between the two locations.

The meeting was attended by Kudat Member of Parliament Datuk Verdon Bahanda and Palawan District II Congressman Jose Chaves Alvarez.

The dialogue was facilitated by Sabah Economic Advisory Council member Benjamin Golimbi.

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CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor’s 2021 Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya Plan and the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA) have laid out a road map to an exciting future for all Sabahans, with a target of increasing Sabah’s income levels and GDP per capita from about RM 23,000 to about RM 40,000 by 2030.

Both Verdon and Jose acknowledged the importance, logic and urgency of the proposed ferry service.

Earlier this year, Transport Minister Anthony Lok Siew Fook pledged his support for the initiative, emphasising the potential boost to tourism and other sectors.

Verdon’s proposal, he said, should be realised to enhance socio-economic development in Kudat.

Verdon assured Jose that a feasibility study will soon be conducted to pave the way for the sea connectivity.

The draft of the feasibility study will be submitted to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Putrajaya for final approval and subsequent implementation.

The Kudat-Palawan route is likely to be operated by two separate ferry operators, complying with all requirements from the Maritime International Certification.

The sea connectivity project involves potential ports of Balabac, Batarasa, Bulluluyan, Brooks Point and Puerto Princesa. Balabac Municipality is currently developing two new international airports, anticipating an influx of three million tourists in the next decade.

The meeting also discussed extending the Kudat airport runway from 700m to 1,500m to accommodate chartered flights.

Other topics included inviting the Sabah CM for a visit to Palawan and the development of tourism infrastructure in Kudat to link with Balabac/Palawan tourist spill-over plan.

The former governor also informed Vedron his intention to make sure the ferry operations will achieve its primary goal to further strengthen the bilateral security aspects of both borders.

Jose also indicated easier documentation process for illegals Filipinos (PTI) in Sabah when they set up relevant authority on Balabac Island.

Industry players from the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (Bimp-Eaga) welcomed the Minister’s announcement.

They expressed happiness over Putrajaya’s commitment to issue a ferry permit for the Kudat-Palawan route.

On his part, Benjamin noted that Palawan Province, a 1.7 million-hectare tourist haven renowned for its diving activities, beautiful beaches, coral reefs and friendly people would significantly contribute to Sabah’s economic development.

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“Realising the ferry proposal would give a major boost to Sabah’s economic development…To realise this proposal, there are many matters for us to consider, including the aspects of security, economy and sea routes. I think all these are positive factors for us to jointly develop Kudat as an important gateway to Sabah and Malaysia.”

Hence, Benjamin pledged his support and commitment to help realise the ferry proposal.

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