LABUAN: Pakatan Harapan panel here led by Simsudin Sidek has proposed the recommended modern, integrated port with an extended jetty be proceeded to replace the old port in town.

Simsudin, who is also Labuan PKR Chairman, said “the old port is not suitable for modern day needs and operations and this puts the island in a disadvantageous marine position.

“For example, the port is unable to tap the booming cruise ships business in the region due to the short length of jetty (about 250 metres) and due to this these vessels bypass the island and prefer calling at neighbouring ports, adding to this if more than two cargo ships arrived, it had to wait for berth at harbour incurring additional costs and making Labuan not an attractive port of call.

He said a further point was the transportation needed long trailers to weave through congested traffic in town.