MENUMBOK: Incumbent Kuala Penyu Assemblyman Datuk Limus Jury denied lodging a complaint with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) over the increase in Menumbok–Labuan speedboat fares.
He clarified that he had requested the Ministry to help all speedboat operators involved obtain RON95 petrol subsidy, allowing the fares to be reduced.
“I didn’t make a complaint. The request to KPDN was meant to make it easier for these speedboat operators to obtain RON95 fuel subsidies from the Government, which will also benefit users of the service,” he said this to reporters after Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor launched the Kuala Penyu and Menumbok sub-district Strategic Development Plan 2025 – 2035, the key handover ceremony of Rumah Mesra SMJ, the opening of Masjid Nur Ihsan Menumbok, presentation of land gazette and aid presentation of Yayasan Datuk Limus Jury, here, recently.
He was commenting on a recent statement by Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali that he had received a complaint from Limus over a notice of fare increase amounting to RM3 per one-way trip between Menumbok and Labuan.
The fare adjustment, which took effect on Nov 1, 2025, was announced to passengers through a notice issued by the Menumbok Speedboat Operators Association.
Armizan was reported as saying that KPDN views this fare increase seriously, as it has a direct impact on the cost of living, particularly for passengers who rely on this transportation service daily.
Hence, he said he had directed the divisions and agencies under KPDN to take appropriate actions including investigating the situation to ensure the market stays competitive, healthy, and transparent for the well-being of consumers and the stability of the national economy.
Nonetheless, Armizan said registered public transport boat operators are eligible to be considered for RON95 petrol subsidies under the Subsidized Petrol Control System (SKPS), which is regulated by the KPDN.
Following this, Limus said Armizan recently contacted him and expressed readiness to approve the subsidy for the affected boat operators.
“We are thankful for this assurance, as it will benefit not only the operators but also passengers who have been burdened by the recent fare hike,” he said.
Commenting on Hajiji’s plan to resubmit the Menumbok–Labuan Bridge project proposal to the federal government, Limus welcomed the initiative.
“This bridge project has long been proposed, but repeated changes of government have delayed its implementation. Therefore, we hope the current GRS–PH Plus and Madani Governments will continue to lead both Sabah and the federation so that our development plans — especially the Menumbok – Labuan Bridge — can finally be realised,” he said.
Limus emphasised the importance of the GRS remaining in power after the upcoming 17th General Election (GE17), alongside the Federal Madani administration, to ensure the continuity of development projects in the state.
Regarding Hajiji’s confirmation that Limus would remain the GRS candidate for Kuala Penyu in the upcoming state election, Limus expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him.
However, he clarified that the matter would only be official once the formal announcement is made and he receives the letter of appointment on November 12.
“I appreciate the confidence shown, but it will only be official once I am formally announced and receive the letter of appointment as the GRS candidate for Kuala Penyu,” he said.
At the same event, Hajiji also presented education aid from the Limus Jury Foundation (YLJ) to more than 200 students from the area.
Limus shared that since the foundation’s establishment in 2013, over 8,000 students from Kuala Penyu and Menumbok have benefited from its education assistance programs.
The Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) Kuala Penyu Divisional Chief said the initiative aims to support local students who have been accepted into higher learning institutions.
“Besides providing free laptops and printers, the aid also includes cash assistance to cover university entrance fees.
“I founded the YLJ to help our children and ease the burden on parents, as we understand the high cost of tertiary education.
“This effort has proven worthwhile, as many recipients have successfully completed their studies with distinction and gone on to become professionals from this district,” he added.
