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| Maiden Serasa-Menumbok ferry service flagged off - Tuesday, January 05, 2010 at 14:25 |
| By Lyna Mohamad Dec 31st, 2009 THE first batch of ferry passengers onboard MV Shuttle Hope vessel to Menumbok, Sabah left yesterday morning from the Serasa Ferry Terminal. The vessel carried about 45 cars and 100 passengers who were eager to be on board and be one of the very first passengers using the services. It can accommodate up to 45 vehicles and 200 passengers. Joining the commercial passengers were Director of Ports Mr Ang Kian Guan, Malaysian High Commissioner to the Sultanate Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari and PKL Jaya Sdn Bhd Managing Director Mr Chin Mook Seng. The high commissioner expressed his joy on the official launch of the ferry service between Serasa and Munumbok and hoped the operations will run smoothly and safely. The service is bound to further strengthen ties between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia, particularly neighbouring Sabah, he added and hoped that an additional vessel would be pressed into service in the future to further smoothen the journey, as well as for the convenience and comfort of both country’s citizens. Prior to the launch of the ferry service, the level of safety was given top priority as several safety measures for all vehicles and passengers using the ferry services were ensured and secured. Marine Director Hj Omar Hj Sirat said that the safety standards of MV Shuttle Hope, owned by Kapal Laut Jaya Sdn Bhd Services, have met the international safety standards requirements adding that before the licence to operate the ferry was approved, the Department of Marine carried out inspections to verify whether it complied with the international safety standards. Speaking to the media prior to the vessel’s departure yesterday, he further said that the department also carried out inspections on the number of passengers, vehicles, crew and weather aspects on every vessel that will sail. For the time being only one ferry will be operating on this route, which is a project under the BIMP-EAGA between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia. The journey takes under three hours to reach Kuala Penyu Ferry Terminal, Menumbok at around 12.30 noon. Tickets are priced at $70 for each vehicle including driver and $25 for each additional passenger, while children aged 13 and below are charged $12.50 each. Passengers will also have to pay a tax of $12. Passengers paid only half the fare yesterday, which will be extended today as part of the inaugural promotion. Source : http://news.brunei.fm/2009/12/31/maiden-serasa-menumbok-ferry-service-flagged-off/ |