Murni, followed by (from left) Chan and Jinep, inspects the SRB contingent during the parade at Sibu Town Square Phase I.
SIBU: The state-level Gawai Dayak Festive operation was launched here yesterday to ensure an incident-free celebration as passenger volume between Sibu, Song, Kapit, Balleh and other areas is expected to surge tremendously.
Speaking to reporters after the launching and parade at Sibu Town Square Phase I, Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) chairman Dr Murni Suhaili said some 300 officers including those from other government agencies were deployed to patrol rivers to prevent mishaps.
Murni added that river blocks would be mounted along all major rivers across Sarawak to curb overloading, with their main focus on Sibu-Kapit-Belaga-Balleh route.
The first of the three-phase operation commences tomorrow till May 31, while the next phase would run from June 5 to 7, and the last phase from June 10 till 14.
“We anticipate the Sibu-Song-Kapit route to be most busy during this time. So, SRB is deploying 195 officers with another 100 officers from police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Civil Defence Department (JPAM) and Rela across the state.
“The board, together with Marine Police, Marine Department and MMEA will also be mounting river blocks and carry out river patrols at strategic locations along all the major rivers to ensure passenger boats comply with the permitted capacity.
“We will also curb overloading at source, meaning enforcing strictly the ‘No Ticket, No Entry’ policy at terminals where passengers without tickets would be refused entry.
“The operation, apart from checking to prevent overloading, also includes inspection of safety equipment on board to ensure they are adequate and skippers have valid river transport permit,” he added.
Meanwhile, SRB controller William Jinep said the operation would be across the state – from Lawas, Limbang, Baram (Marudi, Long Lama and Mulu), Tatau, Rajang River, Pusa, Lingga, Sebuyau, Sri Aman to Kuching, Sibu, Sarikei and Tanjung Manis.
In his speech earlier, Murni warned boat skippers not to be under the influence of alcohol when on the job.
He also urged passengers to fill up their personal particulars, adding the move was to prevent overloading.
Turning to SRB staff, he urged them to give their best and work with full commitment.
He called on those on duty at terminals and wharfs to be always ready to assist the elderly and children board or disembark from boats.
In a press release distributed to reporters later, Murni said the daily passenger volume passing through Sibu Express Boat Terminal last year was between 5,000 and 6,000 people, while it was 3,000 and 4,000 at Kapit Passenger Terminal a week before Gawai Dayak.
To cater for the anticipated rise in demand, he said the board would increase trip frequency, assuring there would be enough boats to cope with the increased load during the festive period.
Earlier, Murni accompanied by Jinep and SRB assistant controller of Region Two Christopher Chan inspected the parade which was mounted by 51 officers.