A SENATOR from Sarawak has proposed that the now defunct Feri Malaysia services between Peninsular Malaysia and the East Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah be revived.
Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim said there are numerous benefits for the people if this ferry travel across the South China Sea is brought back.
"There is huge potential for domestic travel between the peninsula and Sarawak and Sabah, and vice versa.
"This is not only good for tourism developments but also national integration between the people of both sides of our country," he said when debating the 2024 Royal Address in Dewan Negara today.
The ferry service was active in the late 1980s but was stopped due to financial reasons.
Ahmad, who is from Padawan district near Kuching, is from Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB).
PBB is a component of the state ruling coalition of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
Ahmad said the Feri Malaysia can be a way of facilitating travel and adventure for those from either side who want to bring their cars with them.
He said for example, those from the peninsula can bring their cars with them on board the ferry and then drive along the Pan Borneo Highway through Sarawak and Sabah while those from the Borneo states can bring their cars and then travel throughout the peninsula states.
"This idea should be given attention so that sea travel can become another major tourism drive as well as a way to enhance national integration," he said.
He proposed that the Feri Malaysia links key destinations such as Port Klang, Kuantan, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Miri, Labuan and Kota Kinabalu.
It can later expand its routes to Singapore and Thailand as well, he added.
He expressed hope that the state governments will play their role in getting Feri Malaysia reactivated soon. – The Vibes, March 19, 2024
