Jinep checks on the sunken pontoon in Bintangor town, which has been sealed off for refloating works.
The other two pontoons in Bintangor town are in good condition and operational.
SIBU: Works are underway to refloat the sunken pontoon at a jetty in Bintangor town, which submerged due to very high water and very strong current coming from Sungai Rajang and Sungai Bintangor late Monday afternoon.
Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) controller William Jinep disclosed that the affected pontoon had been sealed off for salvaging works.
“Only one pontoon sank due to very high water. The other two are in good condition and operational. Passengers’ safety is not compromised.
“Works to refloat are underway and it should be refloated by tomorrow (today),” he said, adding the water level was still high late yesterday afternoon.
He related this to The Borneo Post when asked yesterday if the sunken pontoon, as reported by a local media, had been refloated.
According to the report, the incident occurred around 3pm on Monday.
Jinep rushed to the site yesterday to check and monitor the situation.
He said the refloating works were done by a contractor under the supervision of two SRB personnel with assistance from the Public Works Department in Sarikei.
Last month, heavy rain coupled with surging tide forced three of the seven pontoons at Kapit Wharf in Khoo Peng Loong Road here to take in water and sink.
Meanwhile, Jinep revealed that SRB had submitted a proposal under the 11th Malaysia Plan (2016-2020) to replace aging pontoons across the state, including upgrading the passenger terminal here.
The proposed pontoons would be fitted with polyethylene infill to keep them afloat at all times, he said.
On another note, Jinep reminded boat operators, especially those operating open boats such as longboats and speed boats to ensure that there would be adequate life jackets on board.