KOTA KINABALU: The delay in implementing an Immigration screening system could disrupt Labuan’s oil and gas sector, according to Datuk Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman.
The Labuan MP expressed concern that Asian Supply Base (ASB) Sdn Bhd may face potential delays in meeting the April 1 deadline for crew change operations due to the non-operational system installed by the Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit (Mampu) for Immigration screening.
Suhaili called for prompt action from authorities in Putrajaya, emphasizing the impact on security and Labuan’s economy.
During a visit to the temporary facility at Wisma ASB, he highlighted the urgency of starting crew change operations by March to align with scheduled oil drilling activities by PETRONAS the following month.
He mentioned his intention to meet with the Home Affairs Minister to address bureaucratic hurdles and expedite Immigration personnel placement.
Suhaili also stated his plan to write to the Prime Minister, as Labuan’s economy falls under the purview of the Prime Minister’s Department.
He also announced his intention to raise the issue during the upcoming Parliament session on Feb 26.
According to Suhaili, the delay in implementing crew change operations could lead to multinational companies sending crews to Kota Kinabalu for Immigration clearance.
ASB, a Labuan-based Sabah government linked-company (GLC), had allocated RM25mil to build a three-storey crew change terminal scheduled for completion in October 2024, Suhaili said.
He highlighted the significant economic benefits of returning crew change activities to Labuan, with hundreds of oil and gas crew members arriving and departing daily.
Suhaili mentioned that ASB had received an exemption order from the Sabah Home Affairs and Research Office (PHEDNP) on April 22, 2022, authorizing approval for oil and gas crew change documentation clearance from PHEDNP and the Sabah Immigration Department.
