Labuan ferry subsidy is needed
Published on: Thursday, February 02, 2017
Kuala Penyu: Assemblyman Limus Jury hoped the 50 per cent subsidy on ferry and speedboat fares between Sabah and Labuan will be a permanent feature in the interest of the lower income group.In welcoming the continued extension of the subsidy under the National Budget 2017 he said it would lessen the burden of not only commuters in Sabah but also those from Sarawak who make such trips.Limus said there is a need to maintain the subsidy as passengers who use the ferry and speedboat services are mostly from the district and many are in the lower-income category.
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"I really hope this subsidy would be maintained permanently as it could help further stimulate the economy and income of the people here," he said.Limus said this to reporters during a Chinese New Year Open House at his residence in Kg. Melampai here, recently.Under Budget 2017 the Federal Government maintained the annual subsidy of RM11 million to cover the cost of sea transport passenger fares from Labuan to Sabah and Sarawak for this year despite the present economic uncertainties.Labuan Corporation told Bernama, recently, that the subsidised routes cover from Labuan-Menumbok-Labuan, Labuan-Kota Kinabalu- Labuan, Labuan- Sipitang- Labuan, Labuan-Limbang- Labuan and Labuan-Lawas-Labuan.
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The total funding for the subsidy has been channelled since 2014.On the event, Limus said he was delighted to see the people from here and surrounding districts attend his open house stating that it shows the mutual respect and strong solidarity among them.
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Some 3,000 people from diverse backgrounds attended the celebration at Limus' house which also coincided with welcoming his first daughter-in law, Elviana Asim who married his eldest son, Roney early January.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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