LABUAN: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Labuan today confirmed all the five ferries and almost a hundred passenger speed boats plying Labuan-Menumbok-Labuan and Labuan-Sipitang-Labuan have complied with the safety requirements.
Its enforcement chief maritime captain Che Adnan Md Isa told Bernama a total of 103 checks were conducted on roll on-roll off (ro-ro) ferries and boats during the “Ops Khas Pagar Laut” in conjunction with the Kaamatan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive seasons.
“The operation conducted during Ramadan was to ensure these sea transporters were complying with the safety requirements especially on the passenger and vehicle capacity,” he said.
Che Adnan said the checks also covered the ferries’ manifest to ensure they were not boarding beyond the capacity (vehicles and passengers).
Labuan has five ferries currently operated by two operators; the Kimanis 1 ferry can carry 250 passengers and 50 vehicles; Putrajaya 1,400 passengers and 80 vehicles and the largest ferry, Goodwill Star, over 400 passengers and 100 vehicles per trip.
Labuan passenger speed boat capacity is between 14 and 16, while the large boat to Sipitang carries between 27 and 38 passengers.
Che Adnan said the operation was continuous as many holidaymakers were still not returning to Labuan.
“Our operation also focuses on cross-border crime and smuggling activities,” he said. – Bernama
