KUCHING: The Transport Ministry plans to take over from the Marine Department the registration of boats at 15 tonnes deadweight (DWT) and below.
Its minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said the matter will be handled by the Sarawak Rivers Board.
“This will require the designated officers to be a qualified surveyor with a specific skill and knowledge to carry out this duty.
“For the readiness and smooth administration of this new scope of work the officers must be well trained and competent to carry out their duty,’ he said yesterday (Jan 20).
Lee said his officer is communicating with the Maritime Transport Training Institute (MATRAIN) in Port Klang to train the ministry’s officers.
“In this regard, I would like the consideration for the exemption of the training fees for our officers to attend the required courses provided by MATRAIN.”
Lee also revealed that since the formation of the Transport Ministry, effort has been made to resolve some of the issues related to the shipping sector in Sarawak.
“These issues have been addressed, and a decision has been conveyed to the higher authorities. For example, exemption for single hull tankers to operate in rivers in Sarawak and seafarers sign-on and sign-off SOPs during the COVID-19 pandemic for Sarawak,” he said.
“Lee assured that his ministry will continue to play its role to ensure the shipping sector in Sarawak is well administered and continues to progress.
