A speedboat carrying 38 passengers from Menumbok to Labuan caught fire around 2pm today, forcing the operator to make a critical emergency diversion to the nearest shoreline. All passengers managed to disembark safely.
LDA Holdings CEO Noor Halim Zaini, whose company oversees the Labuan ferry terminal, said smoke and flames were detected mid-journey.
“The boat operator immediately steered towards the closest beach to ensure a safe evacuation,” he told Bernama.
Although the fire spread rapidly, all passengers made it to shore unharmed. However, their personal belongings were completely destroyed in the blaze.
Witnesses said passengers appeared visibly shaken but grateful to have survived.
The Menumbok–Labuan corridor is among the region’s busiest passenger routes, used daily by commuters travelling for work, school, and essential needs.
Noor Halim added that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire and assess the damage to the vessel.
Emergency services arrived shortly after the evacuation to secure the scene and begin preliminary probes.
