LABUAN:Labuan’s free port status must remain total, with direct access to foreign vessels from various trading countries, says Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad.
He said there should be no limitations on any foreign vessels calling at the Labuan port (Labuan Liberty Wharf) as this would impede economic activities on the duty-free-island.
“Should there be any restrictions or limitations (related to the cabotage issue) of foreign vessels calling at Labuan port? That will be among the issues to be discussed with the Transport Minister,” he told reporters while on a fact-finding mission to Labuan last weekend.
Khalid said the port should provide more open access to vessels from Europe, China and Japan, among others, without their having to go through Port Klang.