FAST FERRY ON BONGAO-MALAYSIA ROUTE PLANNED
Tawi-Tawi, Nov. 21, 1997 - Local officials are proposing a direct fast ferry service between Bongao and the Malaysian port of Semporna. Unregulated passenger traffic had earlier prompted the Malaysian government to close the Bongao-Semporna boundary. Malaysian authorities are now studying the security implications of reopening the route.
More than 10,000 Tawi-Tawi residents have been issued special permits that allow them to travel to and stay in Malaysia up to 30 days without need for a passport. To reach Semporna, travellers use two popular routes: a slow boat from Zamboanga which docks in Sandakan or a small wooden boat ride from Bongao directly to Semporna.
The latter is a shorter ride involving only hours and no transportation transfers, but very few travellers opt to use it because it is considered illegal and unsafe. Those small boats are not registered with the Maritime Industry Authority, lack toilet facilities and do not even have comfortable passenger seats.
Tawi-Tawi government officials now hope that Malaysia will lift the current restriction and allow increased interaction which in the past has opened doors for mutually beneficial business opportunities.
The fast ferry service being proposed will mean shorter travel time, more efficient customs and immigration monitoring and a safer voyage for businessmen and tourists alike.
The proposal was discussed in Davao City at a recent conference on "Growth with Equity in Mindanao" program of the Office of the President and the United States Agency for International Development.
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