Report journeys to authorities, Song police chief tells boat operators

SIBU (Sept 26): Contractors who deliver goods to inland areas using boats or longboats are advised to report their journeys to the respective authorities.

Song district police chief DSP Rowney Michael Jalak said this is to ensure that their movements are being monitored, especially when passing through the notorious Sungai Katibas.

“Always ensure the maximum level of safety before starting your journey to the inland areas,” he said.

On Sept 23, three men delivering school supplies to SK Lubok Bedil in the Nanga Ujat region, Sungai Katibas had a narrow escape when their boat capsized at about 10.30am to 11am.

Rowney said all the victims, who were in their 30s to 80s, managed to survive from the mishap.

“However, the man in his 80s suffered minor hand injury,” he added.

He said the weather when it happened was good and sunny, but the low water level and the many obstacles in the river might have contributed to the incident.

To date, no official report was made and further details about the victims are yet to be obtained as they continued their journey to the school after the incident, he added.

Meanwhile, Rowney explained that the Song district police have regularly conducted awareness programmes among the local community, including ‘Community Policing’, ‘Meet and Greet’ and ‘Talk to Us’.

“These programmes emphasised the importance of safety measures when using a boat, such as using a life jacket, ensuring the boat is in good condition and avoiding carrying an excessive number of passengers,” he said.

Rowney also advised local residents to avoid going down the river during high tides and strong currents, and to ensure that only experienced individuals steer the boats in risky areas.

“Hopefully, incidents like this can be avoided in the future with higher awareness among the population, especially those who still depend on river transport for survival.”