KUCHING: Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) will open a sub office in Daro to beef up its enforcement there, said its new chairman Dr Murni Suhaili.
“We plan to open a sub office there, probably next month. We are now in the process of appointing staff members, including enforcement personnel, to be stationed there,” he said when contacted yesterday.
He stressed this was necessary to ensure boat operators comply with all river safety rules and regulations, especially in light of the tragic boat capsize at the estuary of Batang Lassa near Pulau Bruit on Saturday.
Without enforcement, things like passengers not wearing safety jackets and overloaded boats might happen, and this could lead to undesirable incidents, he cautioned.
“In places like Daro, river transportation remains important because it is the main mode for them to move around from one village to another village. With the greater presence of SRB’s personnel, it is hoped that this will improve the safety of river transport there.”
He said this when asked to comment on several statements by individuals and politicians concerning last Saturday’s boat capsize that saw 16 passengers saved, nine drowned and two still missing as at press time yesterday.
Bukit Kota assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail recently said SRB should be on the ground more often to ensure the safety of boat passengers.
Dr Murni, who took over as SRB chairman from Datuk Roland Sagah Wee this year, conceded that SRB did not have sufficient personnel, and he hope to address this problem.
“We will do our best to ensure the people of Sarawak get to enjoy better river transportation services.”