SIBU: The Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) is carrying out enforcement operations in 38 locations statewide, including mounting river blocks to curb overloading.
SRB controller William Jinep told The Borneo Post yesterday that the locations included express boat terminals and all major rivers.
“In Kapit, we have river blocks and also between Song and Sibu. Other areas where river blocks have been mounted include along the way to Daro, between Song and Kapit, Baleh and Belaga.
“We are assisted by marine police (Marine Operations Force) and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). And Bintulu, Marudi and Baram are reporting heavy volume of passengers but the situation is under control,” he said.
William said the first phase of the operations began last Saturday and will end on Gawai Eve, while the second phase will run from June 7-12.
He said enforcement personnel have been stationed in Belaga, Nanga Peraran, Pelagus, Nanga Gaat, Baleh and all the way up to Bakun.
Meanwhile, he said SRB had approved temporary permits for additional express boat services for the Sibu-Kapit, Kapit-Belaga, and Kapit-Baleh routes.
“Our officers are authorised to approve additional trips and permits on the spot,” he said.
He noted that the Sibu Express Boat Terminal is the busiest in Sarawak, followed by the one in Kapit.
William added SRB is also monitoring express boat fares, with no hikes detected so far.