115 personnel to be deployed to monitor river transport safety during Raya, says SRB chairman

SIBU (March 16): A total of 115 enforcement personnel will be deployed by the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) to intensify monitoring of river transport safety in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri and first-term school holidays, said SRB chairman Safiee Ahmad.

He said the operation involves 15 boats and aims to ensure the safety of river users during a period where population movement is expected to increase.

“The operation would be carried out in phases to allow for more comprehensive monitoring along major river routes.

“The first phase of enforcement will be conducted from March 18 to 20 before the festive celebration while the second phase will take place from March 27 to 29 ahead of the reopening of the school term on March 30.

“This period is expected to be the peak time for residents travelling back to their hometowns either to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri or to make use of the school holidays.

“Therefore, SRB will intensify monitoring to ensure that all boat operators and river users continue to comply with safety requirements,” he said before launching the River Safety Campaign in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration and school holidays at the Sibu Passenger Terminal here yesterday.

At the same event, Safiee also witnessed the presentation of subsidised RON95 petrol Fleet Cards to boat operators as part of efforts to facilitate smoother river transport operations.

He explained that while enforcement would be intensified during the period, the main objective of the operation is to enhance safety awareness among boat operators as well as river transport users.

At the same time, he reminded boat operators not to carry passengers beyond the permitted capacity.

“If passenger demand increases, boat operators may apply to SRB to add additional trips. This is a safer step compared to carrying passengers beyond capacity, which could pose a risk of accidents,” he said.

On the issue of fare increases, he stressed that LSS constantly monitors the situation and has reminded boat operators not to arbitrarily raise fares.

“If complaints are received, action may be taken under Section 34(2) of the Sarawak Rivers Ordinance 1993 which provides for a fine of up to RM5,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said the level of compliance among boat operators so far has been satisfactory following continuous monitoring conducted by SRB.

“Although there are isolated cases due to negligence or oversight, overall the situation remains under control and is not alarming.

“The public are advised to always prioritise safety not only on rivers but also on the roads during the festive season,” he said.

Also present were Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng, SRB Controller Lt Col Ding Tiew Wong (Retired), Sibu District Officer Tsong Chow Choon and Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Sibu branch head Roslee Maslie.