Sabah-Sulawesi ferry service starts
Published on: Thursday, December 21, 2023
By: Azmie Lim
The arrival of the delegation from Indonesia.
LAHAD DATU: The opening of a sea transport route from Tanjung Silopo in West Sulawesi, Indonesia, to Lahad Datu is expected to have a positive impact on both countries.
Especially since there are families in Indonesia that have members working in Sabah while Malaysians in Sabah may be interested to holiday in Sulawesi.
ADVERTISEMENT
There would be twice monthly trips with an evaluation done after six months on whether the trial period should be extended.
The trip between both points will take three days.
District Officer Firuz Idzualdeen Mohd Dzul said the Government has approved the application by KM Cattleya Express cruise to ply the route.
If there is good response with positive impact on both sides, the Government would consider extending the cruise until a time to be determined later.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Currently, the frequency is twice a month subject to the schedule set by the Malaysian and Indonesian authorities.
“It will allow tourists who want to come to Sabah or Malaysians who want to go to Indonesia to use the ferry service,” Firuz said when welcoming the first delegation, Wednesday.
ADVERTISEMENT
The inaugural voyage was accompanied by 93 delegations led by the Bupati (District Head) of Polewali Mandar at Sulawesi Tengah, Andi Ibrahim Masdar, arriving at the Sabah Port Jetty at 8am.
Firuz said the district office had set up a committee in preparation for the increase in Covid-19 cases.
He said that precautionary measures are implemented at all levels including the monitoring of each cruise arrival by the Ministry of Health (KKM).
Meanwhile, Andi said the voyage is the result of efforts by both parties for six years and was well received by Indonesians who have families working in Sabah.
“With this cruise, families in Indonesia can come and meet their families here.
“This will also boost people-to-people relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia,” he said.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
