Prices of goods in Labuan to be monitored

Despite the 50 per cent discount on ferry fares for Labuan-bound commercial vehicles from the mainland of Menumbok, Sabah, effective Jan 1, the price of most consumer goods continues to remain slight higher, as compared to those in the mainland of Sabah.

The reduction in prices is expected to follow the reduction of transportation costs, and will only be felt after two three months.

A check by the domestic trade, cooperative and consumerism department in Labuan yesterday indicated that more than 400 essential items at most supermarkets and sundry shops continued selling at old prices of between one and 30 per cent higher, as compared to those in Kota Kinabalu.

Its deputy director, Aslani Dabi, told Bernama that prices for wet goods like sea food and vegetables were still inconsistent due to over-dependence from the mainland.

Based on checks, we found that certain items are still selling at lower and higher prices. There is no significant change despite the discount in ferry fares. However, strict monitoring in prices will be carried out regularly. As of now, it still remains the same, he said.

We believe consumers on the island have a clear mind that they do not expect a drastic reduction in goods prices within one or two months," he added.

Labuan is among states in the country, depending solely on imported goods from the mainland of Sabah. The island is always facing shortage of essential goods, especially during festive seasons, due to over dependence on imported items.

The island is still luring investors for food manufacturing sectors to reduce its dependence on imported items.

The discounted fares were announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak when tabling the 2013 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat last year.