KUALA LUMPUR: The travel route for the Kudat-Palawan international ferry service has yet to be decided, says the Transport Minister

       Anthony Loke said this was because Malaysia was still waiting for the Philippines authorities to propose a ship abiding by safety criteria specified by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

       He said although the Malaysian government could facilitate and make the process easier, safety criteria must be adhered to.

       “The most important point is the safety of passengers and the ferry.

       “As a member country of the IMO, all rules and international conventions, especially on sea safety, must be adhered to,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Nov 7).

       Loke said the ferry proposed for the international route must also abide by the necessary international certifications.

       “We need to know the operation zone of the ferry the country is registered in, which has to be provided by the Philippines authorities.

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       “There is also a need to abide by the ship and port security code to access maritime facilities in Sabah,” Loke said.

       Apart from ferries from the Philippines, local-based ferry operating companies could also apply for permits in the area, Loke said.

       The minister added that the Kudat ferry terminal was ready to be an international terminal with a Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (CIQS) complex.

       “The Kudat-Palawan route has much potential for being an entry route for tourists from both countries.

       “If the type of ferry can be finalised and agreed on by both countries, the route can be finalised under the Brunei–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP EAGA) to begin operations immediately,” he said.

       Loke was responding to Datuk Verdon Bahanda (Ind-Kudat), who asked about the government’s plans and measures to open up permits for the Kudat-Palawan international ferry route to spur economic growth and encouraged tourists entry to Kudat, which is also in the BIMP EAGA zone.

       Separately, Loke said a consultant had been appointed to finalise tender documents submitted for upgrades to the Kuala Kedah ferry terminal.

       “I understand that the ferry is very important for the use of locals and tourists intending to travel to Langkawi,” he said.

       He said dredging works were also carried out there to overcome the issue of shallow water levels.

       Loke said ferry companies were open to applying to conduct their services there.

       “We don’t have any issue with this. It comes down to market demand.

       “If there are other parties who want to operate, we welcome them as long as they abide by the required safety specifications,” he said.

       He was responding to supplementary questions by Ahmad Fakhruddin Fakhrurazi (PN-Kuala Kedah), who asked about the Transport Ministry’s efforts in improving Kuala Kedah ferry services.