Kota Kinabalu: Speedboat fares from Menumbok to Labuan have been restored from RM12 to the original rate of RM9, effective Tuesday (Nov 11).
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the reduction followed discussions between his Ministry and the Menumbok Speedboat Operators Association which increased the fares recently.
He said the Ministry, together with relevant government agencies, will expedite the approval of RON95 petrol subsidies once eligible operators have submitted their applications through the Subsidised Petrol Control System (SKPS) starting Nov 13.
“As an interim measure, eligible boat operators will be allowed to claim reimbursement for additional fuel costs through the same system. The eligibility for claims takes effect also on Nov 11 (Tuesday).
“Claims for the period from Sept 30 to Oct 31, 2025, during which operators had to bear additional costs before the fare increase, will also be considered upon submission of purchase records,” he said, Tuesday.
Kuala Penyu Assemblyman Datuk Limus Jury had earlier urged the Ministry to review the fare hike implemented by operators following the rollout of the targeted RON95 subsidy.
In response, the Ministry initiated an investigation through the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) under Section 4 of the Competition Act 2010 (Act 712).
At the same time, a meeting was held between the Ministry and the boat operators, resulting in a decision that balanced the interests of both consumers and operators.
Armizan expressed appreciation to the operators and Limus for their cooperation in resolving the issue.
