KOTA KINABALU, SABAH, MALAYSIA Nov 11. 2025 – Passenger boat fares for the Menumbok-Federal Territory of Labuan route have been reverted to the original price of RM9.00 effective today, following an agreement reached between the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) and the Menumbok Speedboat Operators Association.
The announcement was made by KPDN Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, who is also the Member of Parliament for Papar, after two intensive meetings held in the wake of his media statement on November 5. The fare hike to RM12.00, announced as a fuel surcharge and implemented on November 1, has now been fully canceled.
In his statement, Datuk Armizan explained the outcomes of the agreement: “Passenger boat fares have been reverted to the original price of RM9.00 effective today, November 11, 2025, compared to the RM12 increase as a fuel surcharge that was announced by the association and implemented on November 1, 2025.”
He also announced further government support measures. “KPDN and related government agencies will assist in expediting the approval of RON95 petrol subsidy applications as soon as eligible boat operators submit their applications through the Subsidized Petrol Control System (SKPS) starting November 13, 2025,” he said.
As an interim measure, eligible boat operators are allowed to claim reimbursements for additional fuel costs through the same system, effective today. Claims for the period from September 30 to October 31, 2025—when fares had not yet been increased and operators had to bear the extra costs themselves—will also be considered, provided they are accompanied by purchase records.
This decision is expected to provide relief to thousands of daily passengers, including residents of Menumbok and Labuan, who rely on speedboat services for daily activities, trade, and tourism. It also eases the financial burden on boat operators while ensuring price stability for users.
Datuk Armizan expressed his appreciation to all parties involved. “Thank you to the Menumbok Speedboat Operators Association. A million thanks also to Datuk Limus Jury, the former Kuala Penyu Assemblyman, who has helped ensure that the interests of both users and passenger boat operators are given attention,” he emphasized.
The Operators Association welcomed the decision, stating that it reflects constructive collaboration to balance operational cost challenges with public needs. KPDN anticipates that this approach will serve as a model for similar issues on other sea routes in Sabah, in line with the government’s commitment to maintaining affordable living costs.
