Proposed Palawan-Kudat ferry service Roll-on-roll-off ramp to be built middle of year

Kudat: The proposed ferry service linking Brooke’s Point in Palawan, Philippines and Sabah has moved another step forward with the construction of the roll-on-roll-off ramp expected to start middle of this year here.

Visiting the Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (CIQS) centre here Tuesday, Minister of Special Tasks Datuk Teo Chee Kang said once the ramp is completed it would establish an important sea linkage boosting bilateral relationship, tourism and trade activities between Palawan and Kudat.

The Tanjung Kapor Assemblyman said the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had announced the set up of the CIQS centre during the latter’s visit to Kudat in October 2013.

The CIQS centre was initially a makeshift office using a cargo container but it had since been moved into the Kudat Port Authority building.

“The CIQS centre in Kudat has been fully operational since last year,” said Teo. He also believed that the roll-on-roll-off ferry service would strengthen security between Palawan and Kudat, particularly the safety of tourists and traders once it starts to operate.

At the same time, Teo said the service would spur tourism and trade developments on both sides.

In addition, he said the CIQS centre would solve the shortage of foreign workers as they would have to enter Kudat via an official entry point while waiting to be employed.

Teo also expressed his satisfaction after being briefed by CIQS officers on the operations of the centre.

Also present was Tanjung Kapor Community Development Leader (PPM) Datuk Peter Chin Kee Yong.