SIBU: Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) has launched a two-phase safety enforcement operation in conjunction with Chinese New Year.
SRB chairman Dr Murni Suhaili said the first phase would take place from Feb 1-3 while the second phase would be held from Feb 9-10.
“The focus is on express boats, speed boats and private boats to prevent overloading.
“River blocks will be mounted at strategic locations. The safety of passengers tops the list of our priority,” he said here yesterday
He said this when launching the safety enforcement operation in conjunction with the Chinese New Year festival held at Sibu Express Boat Terminal yesterday.
Among the core objectives was to ensure that express boats and speed boats comply with the safety requirements and possess valid River Transport Permits, he said.
“Passenger boats are not to exceed the maximum capacity approved.”
He added that SRB also conducted stringent checks on passenger boats, including pre-departure inspections.
Stating that the “No Ticket, No Entry” rule is stringently enforced, he urged passengers to adhere to the safety measures, including providing their particulars.
He added that SRB would approve the request for extra express boat trips with immediate effect for the boat operators if needed.
Also present was SRB controller Richard Tajan.
