LABUAN – The controversial standard operating procedures (SOPs) in the federal territory here were drawn up without careful stakeholder and industry consultation, said the Labuan Economic Sector Coalition (LESC).
LESC in a statement said the shipping, and sign on and sign off SOPs in Labuan should be in tandem with the SOPs used in other ports in Malaysia.
“LESC finds the SOPs (in Labuan) as unacceptable, inoperable.
“It concludes that the SOPs were developed without a deep understanding of the implication and considering the significant role that Labuan plays in the oil and gas, and supply chain industry in the region, forcing domestic and international vessels to avoid Labuan as their port of call.”
It said the rule that requires all local and foreign visiting ships to be quarantined between 14 and 21 days was made without consulting stakeholders and industry players.
Corrective measures must be implemented as soon as possible to amend the SOPs imposed on July 16, it added.
“Failing which, it will create an irreversible long-term negative economic impact on Labuan. The repercussions will become more severe the longer we wait.”
The coalition’s members include Petronas, Sabah Shipping Agents Association, Labuan Freight Forwarders Association, Malaysia Ship Owners’ Association, Malaysia Offshore Support Vessels Owners’ Association, Asian Supply Base Sdn Bhd, Labuan Shipyard & Engineering Sdn Bhd, Megah Port Management Sdn Bhd, Sabah Flour & Feed Mills Sdn Bhd and Antara Steel Mills Sdn Bhd.
LESC suggested the government implement a “contactless protocol”, which has been successfully implemented in Singapore.
“We suggest the Occupational Safety and Health Department and Health Ministry facilitate coalition members on the implementation of contactless protocol as part of the effort to strike a balance between economy and life, particularly for places that have achieved herd immunity.
“Since Labuan has achieved herd immunity, with over 90% of its adult population fully vaccinated, the administrator should have a different approach in managing Labuan in line with the spirit of the National Recovery Plan.”
It urged the government to reassess its decision and conduct a dialogue with the coalition to understand its challenges and propose solutions.
“Transparency, engagement and collaboration are crucial in making Labuan a model that thrives during the pandemic.” – The Vibes, August 14, 2021
