SIBU: Express boat operators and passengers alike were urged to always make safety their top priority.
Guidelines and regulations set by Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) must be complied with, said Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin.
Speaking at the launch of the River Transport Safety campaign in conjunction with the Chinese New Year yesterday, Lee said it was important for express boat operators and passengers to adhere to standard operating procedure to prevent any unwanted incident.
He added that studies had shown most accidents occurred as a result of human negligence.
“We would like to remind passengers returning for the Chinese New Year celebration to comply with all safety regulations while aboard.
“If all, including express boat operators, followed the rules, I believe all forms of accidents can be avoided,” he said at the Sibu Express Boat Passenger Terminal here.
“It’s not like when we see the enforcement officer then we put on our life jackets. If you don’t want to be responsible for your own safety, who will?”
He praised SRB for the safety campaign, which aimed to create awareness on the importance of safety when using river transportation.
“SRB has officers at each express boat passenger terminal to ensure efficient and safe operation of river transportation.”
As a state with rich and long river basin, Lee said that river transportation is still important and relevant, especially for rural and coastal areas.
“To date, 35 rivers covering approximately 5,000km have been gazetted.
“Undoubtedly, river transportation is also the preferred mode to move commodities and cargo from the interior to the nearest city for shipment to industrial plants or export,” he said.
Lee added that through SRB, 94 wharfs and jetties have been gazetted, all of which are under the supervision and maintenance of the authority.
In addition, 208 units of navigational aid have been installed in rivers to ensure safe travel, he said.
The ministry, he said, is always open to suggestions and ideas to improve the transportation system.
“Meetings with stakeholders and the business community will be a priority in the near future to get feedback.
“The ministry will continue to hold meetings and dialogues as it seeks to measures and strategies to develop the state’s transport sector,” Lee added.
