92 programmes to propel Labuan
Published on: Sunday, January 14, 2024
By: Bernama
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Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa
LABUAN: The Department of Federal Territories (JWP) has outlined a comprehensive plan comprising 92 programmes aimed at boosting the socio-economic landscape in this Malaysia’s international business and financial centre of Labuan.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said these programmes involve collaboration with various government agencies in this island.
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Emphasising the need for Labuan’s economic progress to align with other developing states, given its status as an international business and financial centre and oil and gas hub, Zaliha underscored the importance of concerted efforts.
She said these 92 programmes are strategically designed to propel Labuan forward on the path of sustainable development.
In a move to further diversify Labuan’s revenue streams and enhance its appeal, Zaliha has issued a directive to the local authority of Labuan Corporation (LC) to establish a special task force.
“The primary objective of this task force is to identify and highlight attractive tourism sites that can potentially bolster the island’s tourism sector.
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“I want this task force to be established immediately as this is our agenda to boost Labuan’s tourism sector,” she said after launching the Labuan-level Federal Territories Flag Campaign Labuan 2024 and the Publicity and Public Participation Programme of the Labuan 2040 Structure Plan Report at Taman Damai, here, Saturday.
Recognising the untapped tourism potential within Labuan, she expressed confidence that the task force would play a pivotal role in transforming these hidden gems into attractive tourism packages.
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Zaliha emphasised that the strategic development of Labuan’s tourism sector is crucial for the island’s overall economic growth.
She expressed optimism about the task force’s ability to uncover undiscovered tourism potential, which can subsequently be crafted into innovative and enticing tourism packages.
Meanwhile, Pakatan Harapan (PH) Labuan has submitted a memorandum highlighting crucial issues related to the people’s well-being and economic development of the duty-free island. The memorandum, signed by PH Secretariat Chairman Simsudin Sidek and deputy Datuk Dr Ramli Tahir, was handed to Zaliha, Saturday.
Key concerns highlighted in the memorandum include the urgent need to reinstate Labuan’s full-duty-free status, especially those pertaining to the sale of cigarettes, particularly in the context of the taxation applied to the tobacco product.
PH Labuan asserted that the alteration contributed to a decline in tourist arrivals, impacting the island’s economic vitality.
The memorandum also underscored the necessity for a new port facility, as the existing port is deemed inadequate for efficient logistics operations, particularly for large goods associated with the oil and gas industry.
It said the current logistics practices involve the use of an alternative jetty at the Asian Supply Base, leading to the transportation of lengthy items through urban areas and posing potential security challenges.
As such, PH Labuan has proposed the establishment of an integrated port in a new location to replace the existing facility.
It said this long-term plan aims to position Labuan as a major player in the industry, leveraging its strategic geographical location.
“With Indonesia’s capital poised to move to Borneo, Labuan could serve as a crucial intermediate port connecting Borneo to the global market,” it said.
Additionally, PH Labuan also advocated for increased air connectivity to stimulate tourism, calling for more flights to and from the island, recognising the potential for economic growth within the tourism sector.
Finally, PH Labuan has appealed to the Government to incentivise direct shipping to Labuan Port, discouraging the current practice of utilising the Sepanggar Port which incurs double transportation charges and contributes to an increase in prices of goods.
It added that these measures will not only enhance Labuan’s economic prospects but also fortify its role in regional trade and connectivity.
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