Labuan Bridge Proposal Revived, MP Eyes Five-Year Timeline
Nine years after its initial rejection, a long-cherished dream of connecting Labuan Island to Menumbok on mainland Sabah via a bridge is once again gaining traction. Labuan Member of Parliament (MP) Suhaili Abdul Rahman has expressed renewed optimism that the ambitious infrastructure project will eventually materialise.
According to Suhaili, the proposed 17.5-kilometre bridge remains “on Putrajaya’s radar,” with the Ministry of Works currently undertaking a study into its feasibility. This development follows a similar review initiated in 2018, which was subsequently cancelled by the federal government.
The three-term MP revealed that he has engaged in discussions with Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor regarding the bridge proposal. Both leaders are reportedly in agreement on the critical need for the project, underscoring its potential to significantly benefit the residents of both Labuan and Sabah.
Catalysing Economic Growth and Improving Access
Suhaili highlighted the transformative economic impact a bridge would have on Labuan. He envisions it serving as a powerful catalyst for the island’s economic expansion, driven by reduced logistics costs that would, in turn, lower the prices of goods for consumers. Furthermore, the bridge would dramatically improve accessibility to Labuan, offering a vital lifeline, particularly in emergency situations.
A significant advantage cited by the MP is the elimination of the current reliance on ferry services for urgent medical transfers. “There will be no need to wait until daylight to send patients referred to hospitals in Kota Kinabalu, which is currently the case because there is no ferry service at night,” Suhaili explained. This improvement in emergency response capabilities could be life-saving for residents requiring immediate medical attention.
With the project’s potential approval, Suhaili conveyed his hope that the bridge could be constructed within a five-year timeframe.
A History of Calls and Setbacks
The aspiration for a bridge linking Labuan to Menumbok is not a new one. For many years, there have been persistent calls for such an infrastructure to facilitate travel, stimulate economic growth, and foster social development across the region. Currently, commuters travelling between Labuan and mainland Sabah are entirely dependent on the ferry service, a mode of transport that can be subject to weather conditions and limited operating hours.
The initial feasibility study for the bridge was commissioned by the Najib Razak administration in January 2018. However, the project was subsequently shelved by the Pakatan Harapan government following the fall of Barisan Nasional. This decision led to the return of a RM2.88 million grant, which had been allocated to Labuan Corporation for a feasibility study on the project, to the Ministry of Finance in October 2024, as the proposal was ultimately scrapped by Putrajaya.
Despite these past setbacks, a new chapter has begun. Labuan Corporation confirmed that a fresh study, conducted by the Ministry of Works, commenced in May of last year. This ongoing review is anticipated to reach its conclusion by November 2026, potentially paving the way for the long-awaited bridge to become a reality. The renewed focus on the project signals a significant shift in governmental perspective and a potential turning point for Labuan’s connectivity and economic future.
