Latest news with #Easybook
Daily Express
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Make tourists use only Sabah Pay app. Otherwise government suffers revenue loss: Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents
Published on: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 22, 2025 By: Wu Vui Tek Text Size: 'That way, all tourists spending could be properly recorded, and the government would not miss out on SST and other tax revenues,' said Liaw. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Satta) Chairman Dato' Seri Winston Liaw said he was speaking up to protect the interest of Sabahans to have a fair share of the state's economy when commenting on the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal operations recently. 'I am defending Sabahans and protecting their rights. Easybook is a platform company based in Penang. Are there no good platform companies in Sabah?'Sabah has platforms such as Sabah Pay, GoNet and others,' said Liaw. He was responding to Suria Capital Holdings Berhad Group Managing Director Datuk Ng Kiat Min, who denied that the operations of the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal had been transferred to Easybook. Ng had said the terminal is operated by Suria Bumira Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Suria Capital, while Easybook was appointed as a ticketing platform to run the centralised terminal ticketing system at the terminal and handle offline ticket transactions to the islands. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article. Support Independant Journalism Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News Exclusive News Invites to special events Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards 1-Year Most Popular (Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Suria Capital refutes claims concerning ferry terminal
Published on: Saturday, July 19, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 19, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Ng (middle) with Phoon on her right and Saidi beside Phoon during the press conference yesterday. Kota Kinabalu: There is no reason for Suria Capital Holdings Berhad to change management and operations at the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal (JPFT), especially with a long-term vision of redeveloping the old Kota Kinabalu Port into a vibrant and integrated waterfront destination. Managing Director Datuk Ng Kiat Min refuted reports that suggested a transfer of operational control to Easybook, as well as a mistaken association with Suria Sabah, a privately-owned shopping mall in Kota Kinabalu. Advertisement 'Suria Capital Holdings Berhad would like to emphasise that the Suria Sabah mall is not affiliated in any way with the company. The two entities are entirely distinct and unrelated. 'The JPFT is operated exclusively by Suria Bumiria Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Suria Capital Holdings Berhad, and not by Suria Sabah or any other party,' she stressed. Group Chief Financial Officer Phoon Wai Wah said all 23 passenger operators at Jesselton Point have largely benefited from the transition to the Easybook system which eliminated monopoly. 'Previously, smaller businesses were marginalised, but now the fares are standardised. There is no increase to the terminal fee and we plan to implement more controls to avoid illegal activities as well as digital tagging for sustainability of the six islands. 'We categorically refute the claims made concerning the transfer of operational management and allegations of sudden increases in terminal fees. These statements are not only inaccurate, but also damaging to the integrity and sustainability of Sabah's tourism sector,' he said. Phoon said the group is also considering legal action against the perpetrators, suspecting them to be politically motivated. Tour operator Saidi Yusop, said the system brought the smaller fries justice, quadrupling profits from RM3,000 to RM13,000 per week. 'We would be eaten up by touts during the old system. When tourists arrive they would aggresively approach with prices we cannot match. The worst part is there are many incidents where the passengers are abandoned on the island,' he said. Easybook has been appointed solely as the ticketing platform for the Centralised Terminal Ticketing (CTT) system, which facilitates offline ticket transactions to nearby islands. Jesselton Point terminal meanwhile is the main point to six islands surrounding Kota Kinabalu. Ng said the initiative represents not only a strategic use of valuable land assets but their commitment to supporting Sabah's broader vision for urban renewal, tourism and economic diversification. 'A central element of this waterfront revitalisation is the proposed New Ferry Terminal Complex which is of international standard, which will be seamlessly integrated within the proposed Jesselton Docklands masterplan. 'To facilitate the redevelopment, the current ferry operation at Jesselton Point will be temporarily relocated to South Jetty by the end of 2025. 'This interim facility at the South Jetty will maintain island connectivity for around five-six years while the permanent terminal is being developed within the Docklands complex. 'This entire redevelopment effort is not just a property project. It is a strategic transformation initiative beneficial to the State,' she said. Suria Capital is a public-listed government-linked company (GLC), with 51pc equity held by the State Government and 49pc by public shareholders. The Group's primary business is in port operations, undertaken through Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd. which manages eight major ports across Sabah. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Suria Capital denies transfer of Jesselton Point operations to Easybook
Ng (seventh from right) with senior members of the Group and ferry operators during the press conference. KOTA KINABALU (July 18): Suria Bumiria Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Suria Capital Holdings Berhad, has refuted recent claims suggesting that operations of the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal (JPFT) had been transferred to Easybook. 'We wish to firmly reiterate that JPFT remains exclusively operated and managed by Suria Bumiria Sdn Bhd. There has been no transfer of operational control to Easybook,' said Datuk Ng Kiat Min, Group Managing Director of Suria Capital Holdings Berhad, at a press conference held at the Group's office in Jesselton Quay today. Ng clarified that Easybook serves solely as the appointed ticketing platform for the Centralised Terminal Ticketing (CTT) system at JPFT, handling offline ticket transactions to nearby islands. She added that Easybook also provides CTT system services at other major terminals across Sabah, including the Inanam Bus Terminal, Tawau Bandar Sri Indah Bus Terminal, KK Sentral and Menumbok Ferry Terminal. Ng also addressed allegations of sudden fee increases for operators at JPFT, stating that a revised business model was introduced following extensive consultations and town hall sessions with boat operators. 'This new model was designed to ensure transparent, systematic and fair charging rates via a professional booking platform. It was developed with the consent and endorsement of the operators, affirming our shared commitment to enhance service delivery and promote sustainable growth,' she said. The revised model supports the planned RM20 million relocation of JPFT to Kota Kinabalu Port's South Jetty — an investment by Suria Bumiria in support of the Group's Jesselton Docklands development. The relocation is expected to take place by the end of 2025, and the interim facility at the South Jetty will maintain island connectivity for five to six years. Ng also shared that a consensus-based pricing framework has been introduced to prevent price wars, discourage touting, and promote a fair and orderly marketplace. 'This framework was agreed upon by operators following multiple town hall sessions and is aimed at ensuring the long-term health of the industry,' she said. She denied allegations that operators were given only three days to register or face the risk of losing operating rights. 'The rights of operators at JPFT remain secure, subject only to compliance with existing contractual obligations, terminal management policies and relevant regulations,' she affirmed. Ng also noted that the terminal fee has been extended to licensed tourist guides to improve oversight, deter illegal guiding activities, and uphold the quality and integrity of tourism services at JPFT. She emphasized that Suria Bumiria, in collaboration with its operator partners, remains committed to maintaining JPFT as a safe, efficient, and welcoming gateway for both residents and tourists, reinforcing its vital role in Sabah's tourism and economic sectors. Ng also cleared up confusion stemming from media reports that mistakenly linked Suria Capital to the Suria Sabah shopping mall. 'Suria Sabah Mall is a privately owned commercial property and is not affiliated in any way with Suria Capital Holdings Berhad. JPFT is operated solely by Suria Bumiria Sdn Bhd, and not by Suria Sabah or any other party,' she stressed. Suria Capital, a public-listed government-linked company (GLC), is 51 percent owned by the Sabah State Government and 49 percent by public shareholders. Its core business is port operations under Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd, which manages eight major ports across the state. The Group is also active in property development, construction, and seaport passenger gateway infrastructure, aligning with Sabah's broader economic and tourism objectives. Ng said the clarification was necessary to resolve public confusion and affirm the company's long-term vision. 'We remain committed to operating the ferry terminal and realizing our long-term vision to redevelop the old Kota Kinabalu Port into a vibrant, integrated waterfront destination,' she said. She added that a key feature of this redevelopment — the Jesselton Docklands masterplan — includes a proposed new international-standard ferry terminal complex, which will be seamlessly integrated into the landmark waterfront project.
Daily Express
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Ferry terminal: No transfer of ops, fee hikes
Published on: Thursday, July 17, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 17, 2025 Text Size: Kota Kinabalu: Suria Bumiria Sdn Bhd, the operator of Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal (JPFT), denied claims that operations at the terminal have been transferred to Easybook. Suria Bumiria, a wholly owned subsidiary of Suria Capital Holdings Berhad, clarified that JPFT remains exclusively operated and managed by the company, while Easybook's role is limited to providing the ticketing system under the Centralised Terminal Ticketing (CTT) platform. Advertisement 'Easybook serves solely as the appointed ticketing platform for the Centralised Terminal Ticketing System at JPFT, facilitating offline ticket transactions to nearby islands,' said Suria Capital Holdings Berhad Group Managing Director Datuk Ng Kiat Min He also rejected claims of sudden fee hikes for boat operators, explaining that a revised business model had been developed transparently and with full engagement from stakeholders. 'The model was ultimately adopted with their formal consent and endorsement, affirming a shared commitment to enhance services and sustainable growth while the process involved extensive consultations and town-hall sessions,' he said. Ng further revealed plans for a RM20 million relocation of the terminal to the South Jetty of Kota Kinabalu Port, aligning with the upcoming Jesselton Docklands development. He added that a consensus pricing framework was introduced to curb touting, prevent undercutting and promote a fair and orderly marketplace with operator backing. 'We also categorically refute claims that operators were given only three days to register or faced the risk of losing their operating rights. 'The rights of operators to conduct business at JPFT remain secure, subject only to compliance with established contractual obligations and terminal policies.' The extension of terminal fees to licensed tourist guides, Ng explained, is aimed at improving regulation and preventing illegal guiding activities, thereby safeguarding the quality of tourism services. 'Suria Bumiria, together with its operator partners, remains fully committed to ensuring that JPFT continues to serve as a safe, efficient and welcoming gateway,' he said, in a statement, Wednesday. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
16-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
No fee hike at Jesselton Point Terminal, says company
Entrance to the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. KOTA KINABALU (July 16): Suria Bumiria Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Suria Capital Holdings Berhad, has addressed and clarified recent reports suggesting a transfer of operations of the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal (JPFT) to Easybook. 'We wish to firmly reiterate that JPFT remains exclusively operated and managed by Suria Bumiria Sdn Bhd and there has been no transfer of operational control to Easybook,' the company said in a statement on Wednesday. Easybook serves solely as the appointed ticketing platform for the Centralised Terminal Ticketing (CTT) System at JPFT, facilitating offline ticket transactions to nearby islands. In addition, Easybook acts as the CTT System service provider at several other key transport terminals throughout Sabah, including Inanam Bus Terminal, Tawau Bandar Sri Indah Bus Terminal, KK Sentral and Menumbok Ferry Terminal, said Suria Bumiria. 'We further refute assertions of a sudden escalation in fees for operators at JPFT. The revised business model introduced by the management was in fact carefully developed to ensure transparent charging rates through a new, systematic and professional booking platform that benefits all operators fairly. Extensive consultations and a series of town hall sessions had been conducted with all boat operators. This process ensured that operators were fully briefed on all proposed charges and operational enhancements, 'The model was ultimately adopted with their formal consent and endorsement, affirming a shared commitment to enhance services and sustainable growth.' Furthermore, this strengthened partnership framework underpins the planned RM20 million relocation of JPFT to Kota Kinabalu Port's South Jetty, an investment led by Suria Bumiria Sdn Bhd to facilitate the Group's Jesselton Docklands development, which will take place at the current terminal site. The ferry terminal will be integrated into this landmark waterfront project in a future phase. A consensus pricing framework has also been introduced to prevent price wars, curb touting and promote a fair and orderly marketplace. Through multiple town hall sessions, operators had the opportunity to assess its benefits and collectively agreed that standardised pricing supports the long-term health of the industry, explained the company. 'We also categorically refute claims that operators were given only three days to register or faced the risk of losing their operating rights. 'The rights of operators to conduct business at JPFT remain secure, subject only to compliance with established contractual obligations, terminal management policies and prevailing regulatory requirements. 'Additionally, the extension of the terminal fee to licensed tourist guides serves to strengthen oversight, deter illegal or unregistered guiding activities and safeguard the quality and integrity of tourism services offered at JPFT.' Suria Bumiria, together with its operator partners, remains fully committed to ensuring that JPFT continues to serve as a safe, efficient and welcoming gateway for residents and visitors alike, reinforcing its standing as an essential contributor to Sabah's tourism and economic landscape. Recently, the Sabah Tour and Travel Agents Association (Satta) has expressed concern over alleged recent operational changes at Jesselton Quay, particularly the imposition of additional charges said to be affecting tourism stakeholders. Satta president Datuk Seri Winston Liaw was responding to remarks made by Tanjung Aru assemblyman Datuk Junz Wong in the recent state assembly sitting. Wong had claimed that the management of Jesselton Quay, previously handled by Suria Sabah, has been handed over to a West Malaysian company that has implemented higher fees. Liaw said one of the most pressing issues raised was the imposition of a mandatory 10 percent levy on all operators using the jetty to bring tourists to nearby islands for water-sports and recreational activities. 'Satta has also received complaints that tourist guides, who were previously exempt from entrance fees, are now being charged. This is causing frustration and financial strain on the industry,' he said in a statement. Liaw urged the operator of Jesselton Quay to engage in dialogue with tourism industry players before introducing any new charges, warning that such moves could jeopardise the growth of Sabah's tourism market. He also questioned the decision to hand over jetty operations to a West Malaysian company when Sabah has capable locals ready to manage tourism-related services. 'Why give it to a West Malaysian company? Sabah has already been looted by the west and is now the poorest state in the country. It's unfair to allow further erosion of our local resources,' he said. 'If this policy continues, how can Sabah expect to improve? The state government must review this suppressive arrangement.' Liaw stressed that entrance charges should not be imposed on local Malaysian tourists, especially if Sabah aims to encourage domestic travel. 'Many West Malaysians have yet to visit Sabah, and some complain that our tour packages are more expensive than those in Indo-China countries,' he added.
