SIBU: Sarawak and Sabah Shipowners Association (SSSA) are urged to work together with the Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) in their effort to educate the people on some of the policies implemented in the ministry.
MOTS deputy minister Datuk Henry Harry Jinep took a viral Tik Tok video on cabotage policy as an example, noting that in this digital era, some issues go viral and get out of control without control.
“I saw a video on Tik Tok saying the increase in the price of the goods was due to the cabotage policy. The truth is, we lifted that policy in 2017, and today there is no crucial increase in the price of the goods.
“This is why they need to understand. I want the shipping industry to work together with MOTS on getting people to understand the importance of the cabotage policy. I think it’s the way we want to send them the message for them to understand.
“They just went viral on Tik Tok, and it can be very bad for us as the government, policymakers, and stakeholders. It is easy to understand the policy by googling it, but people refuse to do that, so we need to find another option for them to understand,” he said.
He said this in his speech representing MOTS Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin during the 34th Executive Committee (2023-2024) Installation Ceremony at the Kingwood Hotel here yesterday (Feb 17).
Meanwhile, the newly appointed SSSA chairman Yong Ing Huong said in his speech that the association is aware that in Sarawak, upgrading of the land transport system has not been completed and lots of traders and merchants are still heavily depending on maritime transport to solve their logistics problems.
“Even if one day the landside system has been upgraded, the transport of heavy and bulky cargo such as steel bars, gravel, and sand would still be more economical to carry by ship, as we have a lot of natural river channels and a long coastline suitable for ship navigation.
“Ships operating also provide growth momentum to the supporting industries such as ports and harbours, marine hardware, shipbuilding and repair, and more. At present, our membership stands at more than 100, and we operate more than 2500 ships.
“And this is about 65 per cent of the national fleet in terms of ship numbers. We could say Sarawak and Sabah own and operate the major portion of Malaysian ships; we are providing an important service to the country,” he said.
Yong noted that SSSA also has about 40,000 seafarers serving on Malaysian ships, and the association has been instrumental in seeking government grants and assistance to train our local seamen for this profession.
“Looking forward to a refreshing new year, yes, in the year 2023 we should step up our momentum. I hope the new term committee and advisors shall provide the greatest support; let us work as a group for the welfare of the association and continue overcoming difficulties and challenges together,” he pointed out.
