Proposed bridge linking Labuan to Menumbok gets more support

LABUAN: The proposed construction of a bridge linking Labuan to Menumbok on mainland Sabah continues to gather support with two more leaders echoing the same chorus.
Highlighting the issue at the ongoing Sabah Legislative Assembly sitting, Kuala Penyu State Assemblyman Limus Jury said the bridge would greatly boost economic development of Menumbok, Kuala Penyu and the surrounding areas.
A feasibility study on the viability of the bridge by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) funded by the Ministry of Federal Territories was completed in 2009 but there was no positive outcome from the state government.
The state government should seriously consider the project as it would boost economic growth, provide more comfort and facilities for the people and tourists.
Limus said the private sector was keen to be part of the proposed 7.8km bridge via public-private-partnership at an estimated cost of a few billion ringgit.

Labuan Member of Parliament Datuk Rosman Isli said the proposed bridge would benefit the island economically in the long run.
"The issue should be continuously highlighted as the proposed bridge is economically viable both for Labuan and mainland Sabah.
"Labuan has commercial and industrial elements of providing employment to people staying around these districts," he told Bernama here, today.
The issue was highlighted at the previous and ongoing parliament sitting.
The bridge would enable people in Beaufort, Menumbok and Kuala Penyu to enjoy facilities in Labuan such as port, airport, higher learning institutions such as Industrial Training Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Labuan Matriculation College.
Rosman said the bridge would also help put the price of land and property in Labuan at a reasonable level.
"With the bridge, we believe that the escalating price of land and property in Labuan will spillover to the two districts of Kuala Penyu and Menumbok."
Due to Labuan's limited land, the price of land and property in Labuan has skyrocketed in recent years and is considered among the highest in the country. – Bernama