KUCHING: A proposal has been made for private sector to explore the revival of the Malaysia ferry service that once operated in the 1980s, to enhance connectivity between Borneo and the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who made the call, said such an effort would symbolise closer ties between the people of both regions, especially between Sarawak and Pahang.
“In truth, it’s not that far, my flight (from Kuantan to Sarawak) took just about an hour, around 1,000 to 1,100 kilometres. If not by AirBorneo, maybe one day by Sea Borneo.
“Perhaps, the private sector can study the possibility of reviving the old Malaysia ferry service. If I’m not mistaken, it operated in the 1980s. In a way, this would be a sign of efforts to bring us closer together,” he said.
His Majesty said this during the ‘Malam Mesra Sarawak-Pahang’ event held at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Complex here last night.
He also recalled his earlier suggestion that Sarawak-owned airline, AirBorneo, include Kuantan as one of its destinations, saying it would further promote tourism and cultural exchange between both states.
“I was informed that AirBorneo will soon begin operations. Therefore, why not have AirBorneo make a stop in Kuantan?
“This way, we can promote the beauty of Sarawak and Pahang to one another and strengthen the bonds of friendship between our people,” he said.
Reflecting on his previous 11-day ‘Kembara Kenali Borneo’ expedition two years ago, His Majesty said the journey left lasting memories for him and his family.
“We will never forget that journey. Sincerely, the people of Sarawak will always have a special place in my heart. This is not just mere words. From time to time, I still look back at old videos from that expedition, including those in Sabah.
“The people of Sabah too are close to my heart. Though far in distance, they are always near in spirit, both Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
He also expressed his appreciation to the people of Sarawak for their warmth and hospitality.
“God-willing, we will continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship between my family, the people of Pahang, and the people of Sarawak,” he said.
Among those present at the event were Her Royal Highness Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Sultan Iskandar Al Haj, Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
For the record, the Sultan of Pahang was referring to ‘Feri Malaysia’ that operated from 1986 to 1989, connecting Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and Kuantan through a two-day journey, as reported by a New Straits Times article.
It was reported that the vessel had a capacity of 650 and could carry passenger vehicles.
Unfortunately, an engine fire occurred on October 18, 1987, near Tioman Island in Pahang, causing ‘Feri Malaysia’ to officially cease operations two years later.
