LABUAN: The first non-convention ship (NCS), better known as ‘kumpit’ from the southern Philippines province of Tawi-Tawi, arrived at Labuan Liberty Wharf here today to officially revive transhipment activity between the island and southern Philippines.
The wooden vessel was given a salute from two water cannons on two tug boats as it berthed at Labuan Port’s containerised port jetty.
The event was witnessed by Labuan Corporation chief executive officer Rithuan Ismail and Azman Abidin, the Prime Minister’s political secretary, as well as Labuan Chamber of Commerce (LCC) members and maritime industry players.
With the arrival of the NCS, the transhipment activity between Labuan and the southern Philippines is officially revived.
Labuan Port operator Megah Port Management Sdn Bhd (Megah) chief executive officer Idjal Tahir said the vessel would be undergoing a thorough check by the authorities before it is allowed to unload cargoes.
He said the vessel would be unloading a consignment of 125 tonnes of sugar and 112.5 tonnes of rice for the southern Philippines’ market.
“Depending on the weather condition, the second kumpit will be arriving in one week to unload the same consignments,” he told Bernama.
Idjal said the consignments are owned by local licensed transhipment company New Quality Diamond.
LCC facilitated the issuance of the transhipment licence from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department to three companies, namely Nusa Aman Sdn Bhd, New Quality Diamond and BGC Trading Sdn Bhd.
The island’s economy has been feeling the pinch since barter trade activity between Labuan and southern Philippines was halted in 2016 after more than four decades in operation.
Rithuan said Labuan Corporation and the Labuan Disaster Management Committee are in full support of the revival of the transhipment activity.
“We have done our part in making sure the transhipment activity is revived and running smoothly. Labuan needs to diversify its industry to boost its economy, and local authorities will do their part to facilitate,” he said.
LCC chairman Daniel Doughty said that “after putting a lot of effort, the transhipment activity is back on track.”
“We must thank Megah Port Management for its important role in this transhipment activity for providing a warehouse for the consignments and making sure the vessel berthed safely,” he added. – BERNAMA
