About Labuan

Labuan comprises of one main triangle-shaped island and six smaller ones. Covering an area of 92 square kilometres, situated at the North of Brunei bay and faces the South China Sea, it is centrally located right in the middle of the Asia-Pacific region.

The name Labuan was derived from the Malay word pelabuhan or labuhan which means port or anchorage. In the early 19th century, the British had its eyes on Labuan as it has the potential to become a commerce and naval base. They also felt that Labuan could become a place of refuge for ships damaged by pirates.

On September 1, 1956, Labuan was reconstituted a free port by the Ordinance. Among other things, the Ordinance States that ÔLabuan means the Island of Labuan and its dependent islands: Rusukan Besar, Rusukan Kecil, Keraman, Burong, Papan and Daat. No customs import duty shall be payable upon any goods, other than intoxicating liquor, tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, and petroleum products, imported into Labuan. No customs export duty shall be payable upon any goods exported from Labuan. Customs import duty shall be payable upon all dutiable goods transported to other parts of North Borneo from Labuan. Customs export duty shall be payable upon all dutiable goods transported from other parts of North Borneo to Labuan.

Up to August 30, 1963, North Borneo was administered under the provisions of the North Borneo Letters Patent. On August 31, 1963, North Borneo became self-governing and on September 16 the same year, the State - taking the name, Sabah - was made a State within the Federation of Malaysia.

On April 16, 1984, Labuan was proclaimed a Federal Territory of Malaysia. As a Federal Territory, Labuan comprises Labuan Island and the territories within 4.8 km of Labuan, including Pulau Rusukan Besar (Rusukan Besar Island), Pulau Rusukan Kecil (Rusukan Kecil Island), Pulau Kuraman (Kuraman Island), Pulau Burung (Burung Island), Pulau Papan (Papan Island) and Pulau Daat (Daat Island).

About Labuan Reference

http://www.labuan.net

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