Minister: Sarawak Rivers Board to investigate all boat operators to ensure life jackets provided

LUNDU (Aug 21): Investigations will be done on all boat operators to ensure they provide life jackets for passengers, said Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

He said the incident of a boat that sunk in Sungai Kayan, Kampung Selabit on Tuesday, which resulted in three missing students, had been caused by the negligence of the boat operator in providing life jackets to the passengers.

“River safety campaigns were held not just here but also in many other places and all passengers are required to wear life jackets and operators must provide them.

“After this, we will instruct the Sarawak Rivers Board to ensure all boat operators abide by the rules, including the provision of life jackets,” he said when met by reporters after a visit to the village jetty here.

Three secondary school students were still missing after the boat they were travelling in with 15 other students sank.

The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said a report on the incident had been received at 6.33am.

The three victims were identified as Helena Fasha Petrus, Vilkie Wilson and Alsma Jithil.

Bomba is currently deploying its K9 unit to search for the victims.