LABUAN, March 28 — Thousands of Aidilfitri travellers are making their way by Labuan’s ferry, en route to mainland Sabah and Sarawak, causing a surge in vehicles and passengers.

Both the Labuan Ro-Ro Ferry Terminal and Labuan International Ferry Terminal are abuzz with activity, as travellers begin forming long queues as early as 5.30am.

Vehicles of all sizes, from family cars to large trucks, continue to pour into the ferry terminals, as the festive exodus gains momentum.

To meet the growing demand, Labuan Point Enterprise, the ticketing management company for the four main ferries - Putrajaya 1, Kimanis 2, Joy Star, and Goodwill Star — has confirmed the operation of seven daily trips from Labuan to Menumbok, Sabah-Labuan.

Labuan Point Enterprise manager Robert Ling Song Shieng said tickets for the Labuan-Menumbok-Labuan route went on sale two months in advance, in preparation for Aidilfitri.

He said as anticipated, all tickets for journeys between March 27 and April 2 have been sold out, reflecting the high demand from festive travellers.

Ling added that Putrajaya 1, the largest ferry, can accommodate 85 vehicles and 500 passengers, while Goodwill Star has a capacity of 85 vehicles and 420 passengers. Meanwhile, Kimanis 1 and Joy Star can each carry 55 vehicles and 220 passengers.

The sighting of the Syawal new moon to determine the date of Aidilfitri has been scheduled for the evening of Sunday (March 30), as announced by the Office of the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal.

Another ferry operator, Juta Bonus, which manages the Galaxy and Blue Ocean ferries, has also increased its operations, scheduling three daily trips from March 27 to April 2 to accommodate the rising number of passengers.

Additionally, LDA Holdings Sdn Bhd, the management company overseeing the Labuan International Ferry Terminal, has confirmed an increase in passenger boat trips, to 40 daily trips between Labuan and Menumbok, during the same period.

Its chief executive officer Noor Halim Zaini said the move was strategically planned to manage the anticipated surge in passengers.

With the festive season drawing near, travellers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly, and arrive early at the terminals to avoid congestion.

Labuan Marine Department director Alimuddin Amirudin said that the department continues to monitor the situation, to ensure smooth and safe ferry operations for all passengers. — Bernama