Closer view: Minister of Communications Pehin Dato Hj Abu Bakar (2nd R),
inspecting a passenger boat during his visit to the Serasa Passenger
Ferry Terminal yesterday. Picture: BT/ Saifulizam

THE new Serasa Passenger Ferry Terminal got a visit from the Minister of Commuications Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Hj Abu Bakar Hj Apong yesterday.

The terminal which began its operation on a trial basis two days ago was one of the projects under the 8th National Development Plan.

The minister was shown around the new structure by the Director of Ports Department Ang Kian Guan.

The inspection began with the prayer rooms and Duty Free Shops. The minister then moved on to the departure and arrival areas.

"The new terminal is better than the old one. I see more facilities are provided such as the trolleys, canteen and others, and this is good," the minister commented. However he added, "since the new terminal operating on a trial basis, of course some improvements need to be done."According to the director of Ports Department, the main objective of the working visit yesterday was to make an observational study on what more is needed to be done to improve the terminal's facilities."The terminal will be like an airport. We plan to build fast-food restaurant, information kiosks, metro-car parking, Internet access and Duty Free Shops. Public phones will also be placed here as well as taxi bay and other facilities that would provide decent place for passengers," he said

He disclosed that the ferry terminal will be fully operating and opened to the public by next year.

"The ferry terminal is structurally completed. We are just waiting for the Malaysian's side to launch their ferry operation," he added.

The Serasa Ferry Terminal project which began in November 28, 2005, at a cost of $4.88 million is hoped to see its official launching ceremony next month, according to the Ports Department director.

He said that since the terminal opened on a trial basis operation, there were more than 500 passengers using the terminal.

"First impression of the terminal when a tourist or non-Bruneian arrives is important for our country's image. I hope to see the new terminal as more systematic with more shops and facilities so that passengers feel more comfortable while waiting for departure or arrival," said a 45-year-old local passenger.He also said that with the newly improved terminal it will attract more tourists and at the same time it will benefit the Brunei tourism.

"I am not worried so much how the terminal condition is, but it would be nice to have air-conditioning outside the departure hall to make the passengers comfortable while waiting.

"Transport facilities particularly taxi are important too as I see there are tourists here who need transportation," an American tourist remarked.

Included in the minister's entourage were the deputy minister Dato Paduka Hj Yusoff Hj Abdul Hamid, permanent secretary and senior officers of the ministry and the departments under it. (NJA1)
 
Link: http://www.bt.com.bn/en/home_news/2008/10/19/minister_visits_new_serasa_passenger_ferry_terminal