WHY PAIRIN SILENCE ON FERRY PRICE?

DAP Sabah would like to know what is the stance of Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Deputy Chief Minister cum Infrastructure Minister in response to Labuan Ferry Corporation's explanation on prices increased for ferry transportations.

DAP Sabah Assistant Secretary Junz Wong said he is very disappointed with TanSri Pairin for keeping silence on this crucial issue which has caused so much hardship to the people of Labuan and those in the lorry transportation business.

Executive Chairman of Labuan Ferry Corporation (LFC) Peter Kong has stated in the local newspaper on 5th June 2012 that TanSri Joseph Pairin Kitigan has agreed on terms for the increased pricing. On the contrary, Pairin on 19th February 2011 has announced a pricing approved by his Ministry.

According to Pairin heavy-range 12-ton lorry should only be charged at BTM RM550 and BDM RM650 the most. Now it appears that LFC is charging 10-tonner at RM1,080. According to the approved list as published in the newspaper, a 9-ton lorry is charged at BTM RM205 and BDM RM270 while a 10-ton lorry is charged at BTM RM250 and BDM RM300.

So which is which, Junz asked. We certainly need Pairin to make a clear stand and explanations on this, Junz demanded.

DAP Sabah also want the relevant authorities to come clean with the issues as per explained by Labuan Ferry Corporation. Those affected by this price discrepancy want to know who gave the approval to the price increase, which departments authorize such increase, what was the approved new price list and when it was given and on what basis or justifications for the price increase.

Junz Wong who is also the DAPSY KK Assistant Youth Chief wanted the LFC to explain who gave it the authority to re-classify overloaded vehicle to a 10-tonner or semi - trailer and also, who authorize LFC to charge overloaded 10-tonner lorries at RM1,080?

Junz said, if LFC explaination that it was for safety purpose (to re-classified 10-tonner vehicle and semi-trailer) then LFC should have stopped the vehicles from boarding if indeed those lorries have been modified and overloading causing dangers to safety of ferry passengers. It is the duty and responsibility of LFC to report these modified vehicles to JPJ, PUSPAKOM and other relevant authorities. Let the authorities deal and penalise these lorry owners. By charging the overloaded lorries at RM1,080, would that make the ferry trip safer, Junz quipped.

Junz said it is only fair that Peter Kong to show evidences of approval and notices from the relevant Ministries or authorities. As a responsible leaders, we will then pay a visit to the relevant authorities to get a clearer picture and clarification.

Junz said he agreed with Peter that this issue has been brought up a few times starting early last year. A similar situation has occurred where a 9-ton lorry originally charged at RM270 per trip was charged at RM1,080. Tan Sri Pairin did intervene leading to a reduction by LFC and followed the price according to the approved list. Unfortunately, a year later on March 2012, LFC increased the price again which was clearly against the Ministriy's announcement and approved pricings that was published in all local newspapers.

The 'unauthorised' price increase by LFC is a concern not only for DAP Sabah but to the people in Labuan who will have to bear with unnecessary price increase in their commodities and to the lorry transporters. LFC has increased the prices indiscriminately without following the approved price list by the relevant Ministry. This looks like a daylight robbery.

DAP Sabah wants to remind Peter that we have indeed looked into the case as advised by him. We now have the documentary evidences such as ticket receipts, lorry licenses and permits and so forth to prove our case. We are well-informed before making any statement, Junz concluded.