KOTA KINABALU: The Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal has received a facelift in line with its status as a strategic infrastructure facility that will serve as a key catalyst for the development of Sabah’s tourism industry.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal recorded an increase in passenger traffic in 2025, with 552,369 passengers compared to 388,395 passengers the previous year.
“In this context, the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal has played a significant role in strengthening tourism offerings, particularly in the island and marine tourism segments, which are among the State’s core tourism products, especially in Kota Kinabalu and surrounding districts,” he said at the opening ceremony of the new Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal tonight.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister III/State Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Datuk Ewon Benedick.
The Chief Minister said the upgrading of the ferry terminal complies with international safety standards and is further enhanced through the integration of digital systems and more efficient, organised and effective physical operations.
“The implementation of an electronic ticketing system, integrated passenger management and the use of smart technology in daily operations reflect the transition towards a smarter, more modern and responsive terminal concept,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the new terminal would be able to accommodate the increasing number of passengers in line with the growing tourist arrivals, which reached 3.8 million last year, an increase of more than 20 per cent compared to the previous year, generating RM8.7 billion in tourism revenue.
“For more than two decades, the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal has played an important role as the main gateway to the resort islands within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, a natural treasure that is a source of pride for the State and a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists.
“This terminal not only provides transportation facilities, but also serves as an important landmark of Kota Kinabalu City, connecting visitors to island clusters such as Manukan, Gaya, Sapi and Mamutik, as well as surrounding islands, thereby strengthening the city’s role as one of the country’s main maritime tourism hubs,” he said.
“I am confident that with this comfortable terminal, it will enhance the confidence of both domestic and international tourists to visit the tourism islands around the State capital.
“This will directly stimulate the local economy, create business opportunities and improve the standard of living of the people. These efforts will also certainly help achieve the target of more than 4 million tourists visiting Sabah this year,” he said.
“In conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year this year, the new infrastructure development of the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal is seen as further strengthening Sabah’s position as a leading maritime tourism hub in the ASEAN region,” he added.
The Chief Minister said the development of the terminal was in line with the aspirations of Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0, which emphasises high-impact economic growth, the empowerment of the blue economy and sustainable tourism as among the main pillars of the State’s development.
“This initiative is part of a long-term strategy to further strengthen Sabah’s position as a competitive and advanced maritime tourism hub.
“The State Government remains committed to ensuring that this development is implemented responsibly, in line with environmental conservation and the well-being of local communities, so that the progress achieved is comprehensive,” he said.
In addition, the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal is also located within the RM9.2 billion Jesselton Waterfront City development, which is set to reshape Kota Kinabalu’s waterfront landscape into a world-class destination.
He congratulated Suria Capital Holdings Berhad and its subsidiary, Suria Bumiria Sdn Bhd, for their commitment and dedication in successfully realising the ferry terminal project.
“Today’s success reflects the importance of synergy between the Government,Government-linked Companies (GLCs) and the private sector in realising the State’s development agenda,” he said.-pr/BNN
