SIBU: An e-ticket system which facilitates the purchase and booking of express boat tickets in Sarawak is expected to begin in the second half of this year.
Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin said the ministry is in the process of getting approval from Sarawak Multimedia Board (SMA).
“For the first phase, e-tickets will cover express boat routes in the central region of Sibu, Kapit, Song and Kuching.
“If everything goes well, we hope the e-ticket facility for this first phase will be implemented in the second half of this year,” said Lee yesterday at a press conference after officiating at the River Transport Safety campaign in conjunction with the Chinese New Year at Sibu Express Boat Passenger Terminal here.
Lee said the initiative was part of the ministry’s programme to upgrade public services in line with Sarawak’s development towards digital economy.
He revealed that the number of people using commercial riverine transportation in 2018 and 2019 had increased significantly.
“Last year, we recorded 2,893,871 passengers — an increase of 30 per cent — compared to 2,518,249 in 2018.”
He said that his ministry, through Sarawak River Authority (LSS), would continue to ensure that all existing express boat terminals are in good condition and safe for travellers.
In this regard, the ministry allocated about RM500,000 to upgrade the upper level of Sibu Express Boat Passenger Terminal, which is expected to start this year.
“Today, we will provide the construction site for the contractor. We hope upgrading works will start soon and everything will be ready by this year.”
The project, when completed, would see the enforcement office relocating upstairs while the existing one on the ground floor would be reconstructed for the convenience of travellers.
The River Transport Safety campaign commenced yesterday and will continue till Jan 23. The second phase will take place from Feb 1 to 2.
