KOTA KINABALU – A transport expert here has called on Putrajaya not to scrap plans for a bridge linking Labuan to mainland Sabah, saying it would be more than just an amenity.
Sabah Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport member Daniel Doughty said the bridge, if realised, could be a potential catalyst for Labuan to serve as a logistical hub.
“In Gabungan Rakyat Sabah’s ‘Sabah Maju Jaya’ blueprint, the Labuan bridge has importance to the state as it is in the first thrust of its infrastructure component.
“This means the state government also sees the value of the bridge for the community on both shores,” he said.
Recently, a transport expert had said the bridge is not viable as only a few vehicles would travel between the island to mainland Sabah.
Rosli Azad Khan had been reported as saying in a Free Malaysia Today report that predicted low traffic volume could not justify such a massive piece of infrastructure that could cost up to RM6 billion to build.
Rosli had also said the bridge would do little to benefit Sabah as the state does not rely much on Labuan, a federal territory where 20% of the population are poor and lack water supply.
He said the funds would be better spent on improving existing infrastructure, like power and water supply, as well as housing.
“As a logistician and Labuan-born, I see that the points laid by the transport expert (Rosli) has flaws and I would like to advise him to go to the ground to understand other variables that are needed to understand the need for this bridge.
“If his views are from the context of transport alone, it will not do justice to the intent and desire of the community from both shores. I hope that economic and trade perspectives are being considered in his analysis, too,” said Daniel.
Daniel said Sabah’s southwest region, such as Menumbok, Sipitang, Beaufort and Weston, as well as Labuan folk, would be the immediate beneficiaries of the bridge.
“Where credit is due, we must thank the hard work and commitment by Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa to see through the Labuan bridge dream; his effort is commendable.”
Daniel said Peninsular Malaysia experts should stop crushing the hopes and dreams of Labuanites and Sabahans with their assumptions and support Annuar for proposing useful suggestions and solutions. – The Vibes, April 27, 2021
