Marina to ease issuance of clearances to traders
Published on: Saturday, November 10, 2018
ZAMBOANGA CITY: The Maritime Industry Authority in the Philippines will be setting up a flagship station in Bingao, Tawi-Tawi, to facilitate speedy issuance of maritime clearances and other permits to all barter trade wooden-haul boats.The government agency concerned will also sit down with its Sabah counterpart to streamline maritime policies to safeguard the interest and welfare of both borders including that of the Filipino traders and Malaysian businessmen.This was revealed to Daily Express following a meeting between Maritime Industry Authority Regional 9 Director Jeffrey Bangsa, Zambasulta Traders Association President Faizal Jamalul and Sabah Cross Border Traders Association President Nordin Ening held in a leading hotel here last week.ADVERTISEMENT With the blessing from the Manila headquarters, Jeffrey said the setting up of the flagship station would mean approval and issuance of maritime clearances and other documentations including special permits (if the need arises) can now be issued in Tawi-Tawi."The measure is beneficial to all parties concerned because it will help reduce the waiting approval time ... provided all applications are complete with the necessary requirements," he said.He said the decision was made following request from both associations in view of the much-awaited resumption of barter trade activities scheduled to start in January 1, 2019.In welcoming Manila government's measure, Faizal and Nordin said the setting up of the maritime flagship station in the area is indeed vital for the parties concerned because it will curtail unnecessary delays in terms of clearances from the relevant authorities for every voyage to Sabah and vice- versa.ADVERTISEMENT "The previous practise of getting approval from the Manila headquarters for maritime clearances created lots inconveniences and unnecessary delays of voyages. We are glad the ruling is not rectified for the good of everybody," both presidents said.Faizal and Nordin also assured both the Philippine and Malaysian authorities that smuggled items, illegal drugs and other contrabands will strictly not be allowed to be traded by its members.
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"We will make sure that our members will not violate any of the rules and regulations stipulated under the barter trade authorities," they stressed.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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Faizal reiterated: "If there is anyone else who is so concerned about the resumption of the barter trade activities between Sabah, Indonesia and Philippines, it is our association and other Filipino businessmen".Nordin on the other hand stressed that his association will also give priority in preserving the security aspect of Sabah in all trading activities once the activity commences in January. - Nikko Fabian