KUCHING: A proposal for oil palm plantation companies to have their own ferry service to transport plantation goods is very timely.
Deputy Minister for Transport II Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said he supported the proposal for the company to have its own ferry logistics.
“We need to focus on the safety of the public. If the lorries are too heavy and use ferries that are small and too crowded, it will endanger other ferry users.
“Therefore, I support the proposal and it is appropriate to improve the transportation particularly for big companies because they often transport farm produce in large qualtities,” he said when met by reporters at the Minister of Utility and Telecommunications Datuk Julaihi Narawi’s Hari Raya Open House at Grand Margherita Hotel on Saturday (May 14).
When asked if the matter will be brought up to the ministry, he said a discussion must be held between the oil palm industry players.
“If companies have large and heavy vehicles transporting the products, they should have their own ferry.
“Because if they continue to share with the other ferry users, it will cause long queues especially during the festive seasons.
He added that for the safety of the public, oil palm plantation companies around Batang Igan area should emulate the companies in Pulau Bruit which operate their own ferry.
Earlier, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) and Jemoreng assemblyman Datuk Juanda Jaya suggested that the management of oil palm plantations provide their own ferry service in Batang Igan specifically to transport their lorries carrying oil palm loads.
“I am glad if the Public Works Department (PWD) agrees to suggest to the government that the oil palm lorries belonging to big companies should provide their own ferries, we are very supportive for the common good,” he said.
