By Olivia Miwil
KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) is open to proposals from the private sector to develop a ferry terminal, its mayor Datuk Seri Sabin Samitah said.
While acknowledging that tourist jetties are scattered across the city, he added that any future plans to centralise ferry terminal operations would depend on private sector involvement.
"They must obtain approval from DBKK as well as the Marine Department before developing any jetty. DBKK welcomes private sector participation in developing new terminal or jetty facilities, provided proper procedures are followed to ensure safety and compliance," he told reporters during a walkabout at the Linatasan Deasoka Ramadan bazaar.
Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, previously the main gateway to the islands off Kota Kinabalu, was closed on March 1. Services have since been relocated to the South Jetty ferry terminal and the DBKK Jetty. Some tour operators are also using a resort jetty as a departure point.
The scattered departure points have caused confusion among tourists, particularly foreigners, who are unsure which jetty to use.
At the same time, boat operators have been urged to operate from the DBKK jetty, which Sabin described as affordable, safe and clean.
"So far, DBKK has not received any official complaints regarding operations at the jetties. We welcome feedback from our friends in the media. If there are any issues, please inform us," he added.
DBKK said it will continue to monitor ferry operations and coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure passengers' safety while facilitating tourism growth in the city.
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