All set for Bongao-Lahad Datu ferry launch
Published on: Friday, September 08, 2023
By: Nikko Fabian
The ferry MV Cathlea.
Kota Kinabalu: The Tawi-Tawi provincial government in the Philippines and the private company that will manage the new ferry operation linking Bongao and Lahad Datu using the port facilities of POIC are ready for the Sept 28 launch.
“We identified Sept 28 as the historical date for the start of our ferry operation,” Turtle Islands (Taganak) Municipal Mayor Haji Mohd Faizal Jamalul said.
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Faizal, who was former ZambaSulta Barter Trade Association President, said it is the wish of Governor Yshmael ‘Mang’ Sali and all Tawitawians to organise the maiden voyage during the province Provincial Day Anniversary celebration in September.
The 65th provincial day celebration, also known as “Kamardikaan Sin Tawi-Tawi”, is a month-long celebration with various colourful and marry-making daily activities prepared for the locals,domestic and foreign visitors to flavour the yearly grand celebration, the Mayor said.
According to Faizal, the planned maiden voyage using a fast craft passenger boat also signals the full resumption of barter trade activities in the region.
“It is envisioned that the new Bongao-Lahad Datu sea connectivity project will not only ease movement of people within BIMP-EAGA member countries but also increase economic revenues,” Faizal said, adding the ferry operator is awaiting for final navigational clearances from Malaysia to pave way for the smooth sailing of the maiden voyage to Lahad Datu which will take less than four hours travel time.
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For the Lahad-Sulawesi sea route, Dakota Marine Agencies Snd Bhd Managing Director Juvy S. Tulipas said the company has also identified September to launch its maiden voyage.
“Our ferry M/V Cathlea designed to accommodate 1,400 passengers per voyage will sail from Pari-Pari Port in Sulawesi bound from Lahad Datu port… it will take approximately 36 hours to complete the sea journey (one way),” she said.
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Dakota Marine Agencies together with Standard Marine Agencies Snd Bhd are working closely with its Indonesia business partner Panca Merak Samudera Group.
“Our ferry is only designed ferry passenger and personal belongings because we do not have cargo compartments,” the lady CEO said.
Juvy said Panca Merak Samudera will set up ticketing kiosks in strategic locations in Sabah once the ferry operation is fully operational.
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