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Kota Kinabalu: The much-publicised Kudat-Palawan roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) ferry service is unlikely to start soon.This is because the parties who initiated the sea link business venture are now facing a "black wall" in complying with the numerous requirements imposed by both national and state authorities.

"I was informed that the Philippine-based operator of the ferry service, together with their local counterparts, are facing difficulties in complying with the necessary requirements and permits," said businessman-cum-politician Thomas Tsen.

He said the much-awaited ferry service was postponed several times despite public announcements made by the parties concerned, including local politicians and government officials from both here and Palawan.

"The ferry service was supposed to start as early as last year. It was then dragged to September, October, November and December.

"News of the said ferry operation again floated in January this year. However, till today the sea link designed to facilitate the mobility of people and cargo within BIMP-EAGA member countries seems to be still far from reality," Thomas, who is also Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri Treasurer and its Kudat Branch Chief, said.

He said a new ram was constructed at the Kudat Port terminal, which was completed last year, to pave way for the smooth operation of the ferry service.

"The construction of additional facilities at the port area involving a huge sum of money taken from the government coffers will be wasted if the sea link remains in the pipelines," he said.

"Hence, I strongly urge both the state and national governments to urgently intervene and address whatever problems causing the delay of the noble project for the benefit of the people in Kudat and Sabah in general," he said.

He said the ferry service would surely help to level up the status of Kudat and upgrade the living standard of the people in the district as well as Sabah. - Nikko Fabian