New Tawau Ferry Terminal and CIQ Now Open

TAWAU: The new Tawau ferry terminal which includes the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex for international boarding has begun operations.

Tawau Municipal Council (MPT) president Alijus Sipil said the former CIQ complex located about 500m from the new ferry terminalhas been closed.

"All ships and passengers from Nunukan and Tarakan, Indonesia will now disembark at the new CIQ," he told reporters here.

Alijus said the former CIQ would be used for domestic landing from Pulau Sebatik.

"Other domestic landing areas, including at Batu-Batu, have been closed following the start of operations at the new CIQ," he added.

Alijus said the state government was committed in its efforts to complete construction of the new terminal to provide good service to users.

"The new CIQ is expected to boost international passenger arrivals to Tawau as well as the entry of ferries from Tarakan and Nunukan in the future," he said.

On complaints of the poor service provided at the former CIQ, he said this would be resolved with the availability of four ferry landing areas under the new CIQ,

"We are collaborating with the Port and Pier Department to update the entry schedule of the ships to make it more organised," he said.

Tawau Immigration Office chief Noraini Rasi said eight of its personnel would be assigned at the new terminal which began operations yesterday. - Bernama