KUCHING: Express boats are still relevant and in high demand in Sarawak, particularly during festive seasons despite improved road network in the state.
Its popularity as a mean of transport in Sarawak is not only because of the cheap fares but also because of the safety aspect and shorter time it takes for passengers to arrive at their destinations.
“Travelling using express boat is time saving as I can reach my destination faster than when I use land transport like cars and buses,” said an express boat passenger Zaharudin Zahari.
He added to travel to Sarikei and Sibu by road would take seven to eight hours but on express boat it only takes five hours.
Besides that, he said boat operators have taken the necessary safety measures to ensure passengers’ safety.
He also commended the efforts of Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) and the Marine Department in handling and enforcing safety measures in express boats and along rivers in the state.
“I notice there are plenty of life jackets provided in express boats for the passengers and with fine weather, it would be safe to travel,” he said.
Another express boat passenger, Veronica Edward, said she chose to use express boat to return to her home town in Sibu to celebrate Christmas as it could save her travelling time and it is also comfortable to travel on.
Meanwhile an express boat driver Song Tung Ka said, all the necessary safety measures are in place to ensure the safety of passengers.
Among the safety measures is to ensure that the emergency exits can be opened in time of an emergency.
“In case of emergency, boat crews will order all passengers to put on their life jackets and go into the life boat for their safety,” he said.
To beef up river transportation safety, Minister of Transport Datuk Lee Kim Shin recently proposed installation of warning and speed limit signs along rivers in the state.
