Rivers board not compromising on safety of riverine Xmas travellers
SIBU: Sibu Express Boat Terminal is relatively quiet now that you could actually hop from one boat to another with ease.
But that will soon change. In a few days, it will turn into a hive of activities with thousands of people going through it on their way home from Sibu to Kapit or elsewhere, as well as those coming from Kapit, Sarikei, Bintangor and other areas because of Christmas.
When that happens, the human traffic must be controlled, and this is where the Sarawak River’s Board (SRB) comes in.
“We are ready,” said SRB Sibu assistant controller (Region II) Hatta Morshidi when contacted.
“No ticket, no entry – that’s the rule. We have to be strict because that’s the only way to avoid overloads and passengers are all accounted for,” he said.
He said the board will mount river blocks at strategic locations to prevent overloading of express boats.
He said the other aspect of the operations will involve static operations at Sibu Express Boat Terminal.
“Commuters are required to cooperate in providing their particulars for the passengers’ lists,” Hatta said.
According to him, SRB also conducts stringent checks on passenger boats, including pre-departure inspection. Boats that do not comply with safety requirement will not be issued with departure passes or allowed to leave the terminal.
“For the safety of all, we will mount stringent measures at various exit points at the Kapit/Sibu jetty, Kapit/Baleh and Kapit/Belaga wharf to prevent unwanted incidences and overcrowding.
“SRB will deploy three enforcement patrol boats for Christmas operations from Dec 22 to 24, boat operators and commuter better comply or face legal action,” he warned.
He pointed out that Christmas operations are integrated operations with other enforcement agencies to ensure that express and speed boats comply with safety requirements and possess valid River Transport Permit (RTP).
Almost 80 percent of the Dayak, especially Iban population here, are predominantly those living in longhouses built along the banks of the mighty Rajang River and its tributaries.
It is no surprise that riverine public transport like express boats, longboats and speedboats have become the most important mode of transport, especially during the festive seasons such as Christmas, Gawai Dayak and many other celebrations in Malaysia.
Hourly express boat services between Sibu and Kapit as well as other destinations help ferry thousands of passengers during these festive seasons, including Christmas.
However, those wishing to travel upriver from here have to settle for another express boat to Balleh or longboats to their longhouses.
With so much happening here amidst the Christmas celebration, boats operators and hawkers are always having brisk business.
A random survey carried out by New Sarawak Tribune at the Sibu Express Boat Terminal yesterday noted the growing human traffic.
“The number of passengers will increase in the next few days,” said Lau, one of the express boat operators, when met at the terminal, which according to him is normal during any festive occasion.
He assured that they would adhere to the limit on the number of passengers and regulations set by SRB.
