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DasLABUAN: After being grounded here in a dilemma for more than two months, roll on-roll off (ro-ro) ferry "Kimanis 1" will finally resume service today (Saturday), ending "anxiety and tension" especially among regular commuters between Labuan and Menumbok.

Chairman of the Labuan Chinese Chamber of Commerce (LCCC), Datuk Wong Kii Yii (pic), said the Chamber was informed of this new development.

"It is certainly good news since the demand for ferry service between here and Menumbok is expected to reach its peak soon, with the start of school holidays next month, followed by Christmas and New Year holidays," he said.

"With three operators providing services on the route, the business community would have no fear of facing transportation problems in securing supplies from Kota Kinabalu while families and others could also plan their travel without worry and the need to make trips during late hours," he added.

"Kimanis I" was grounded since Sept 15 due to problems with the ferry charterer cum ground service provider.

The ferry, after operating the service for two years, had left for general repairs at a yard in Sibu, Sarawak. However, when it returned, the charterer for some unknown reasons ceased its service at the ferry terminal and its booking counter was closed.

"Kimanis I" is owned and operated by Sibu-based Jaya Coastal Marine Logistics Sdn Bhd, while Sabah-based Juta Bonus Sdn Bhd is the charterer. Juta Bonus was appointed along with another company to operate the service through a letter issued by the State Infrastructure Development Ministry.

In early October, the Federal Marine Department, anticipating an increase in demand for ferry service due to the Aidiladha holiday, issued a temporary permit to "Kimanis I" to continue the service to ease the traffic.

However, though equipped with the approval, when the ferry arrived at Menumbok, it was barred from loading any vehicles or passengers and was quickly shown the exit from the jetty by Sabah Port and Harbour Department officials.

Further to this, the department also issued a stern warning of up to RM500,000 fine or imprisonment of two years if the operator was adamant in providing service.

The action of the department could not be questioned because coastal ports like Menumbok are under the jurisdiction of the State Ports and Harbours Department and not the Federal Marine Department, though the differing views of the two departments seemed embarrassing in public view.

Member of Parliament Datuk Rozman Isli reacted to the Kimanis quandary with concern since it affected public interest.

He said government decisions should be beneficial to the rakyat (people) and not to inflict punishment on them.

He hoped the dispute between the two parties would be settled amicably.

With the "Kimanis I" back in service, there are now three ferry operators servicing the route, with the two being Labuan Ferry Corporation Sdn Bhd and Putras Jaya Sdn Bhd.

The joint capacity of the three ferries is 209 vehicles. If each ferry plies two outward trips per day, it would mean that 418 vehicles could exit the island without problem.