LABUAN: Labuan Point Enterprise, the ticketing management company overseeing the Labuan-Menumbok-Labuan roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry service, on Friday (Dec 29) announced two extra daily trips to meet an unexpected surge in demand.

       Its manager, Robert Ling, said the existing schedule consists of seven trips and in light of the escalating demand, the daily trips would be augmented to nine, with the combined efforts of Kimanis 1, Putrajaya 1, Joy Star, and Goodwill Star ferries.

       "It is our obligation to ensure that travellers, especially those stranded in Menumbok, Sabah, can return to the island as the school holiday comes to an end.

       "Therefore, we will be increasing the daily trips from seven to nine," he told Bernama on Friday.

       The decision follows the temporary suspension of operations for the Galaxy and Blue Ocean ferries managed by another operator, Juta Bonus Sdn Bhd, starting Thursday (Dec 28) due to technical glitches.

       The resumption date for these ferry services was yet to be confirmed.

       "We will assess the situation to determine if additional adjustments are necessary, potentially increasing the daily trips to a maximum of 11 to accommodate stranded travellers and ensure the seamless flow of transportation," Robert said.

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       He said the additional trips aim to alleviate the inconvenience caused by the unexpected disruption and ensure a timely return for those affected.

       "Labuan Point Enterprise remains committed to facilitating the transportation needs of the community and responding promptly to the challenges posed by the temporary suspension of certain ferry services," he said.

       As the Christmas and year-end holidays attracted almost 10,000 people from Labuan to various parts of Sabah, the abrupt suspension of the Galaxy and Blue Ocean ferries left hundreds of travellers stranded at the Menumbok, Sabah ferry terminal on Thursday (Dec 28). - Bernama