Kota Kinabalu, Tuesday,
12 November 2024
The only and long term effective solution to Labuan’s persistent economic problems is the integration of the Labuan economy with that of mainland Sabah by way of Labuan Bridge. Labuan’s under-utilised airport (which is of international standard) can immediately be used to ease congestion at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, hence bringing a boost to Labuan’s economy.
Labuan airport can also serve Southern Sabah, Northern Sarawak and even Brunei now that the accessible Brunei Temburong Bridge, and the upcoming Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR) has cut driving time by at least two hours between Sabah/Brunei/Sarawak.
Therefore, the meagre RM500,000.00 for yet another feasibility study on Labuan bridge is a joke. There have been at least two other studies dating back two decades.
Other than the airport, once the Labuan bridge is completed, all other tourist and conference assets in Labuan would immediately be accessible to the one million foreign tourists coming to Sabah, especially those who travel to the Klias Peninsula to watch fireflies and for nature tourism.
Other than tobacco and alcohol, it is a sad reality that Labuan has long lost its comparative advantages as a free port.
The relatively small size of the Labuan consumer market and its logistical isolation means that most consumer goods (such as electrical appliances) are now much cheaper in mainland Sabah than in Labuan.
Returning to Sabah the only solution
Labuan, with only one MP, has no effective voice at the Federal level. To put an end to Labuan’s cries for help which have been falling on deaf ears in Putrajaya, the one and only solution is for Labuan to return to Sabah. Indeed, once Labuan is part of Sabah again, the Labuan bridge traffic can be smooth because there would be no immigration check point between Labuan and Sabah. Only people travelling to Labuan from outside Sabah would be subjected to immigration control.
When Labuan becomes part of Sabah again, obviously Labuan will get two or three Assembly persons and probably a seat in the Sabah Cabinet.
This is a core issue that SAPP has been campaigning for years. SAPP will present the proposed return of Labuan to Sabah as a key part of the manifesto of GRS in the coming State elections. The people of Sabah will watch which other political parties, including Malaya parties, will also promise the return of Labuan to Sabah.
Datuk Yong Teck Lee
President, SAPP
Former Chief Minister of Sabah