Dr Jerip (second left) hands over the safety leaflets to express boat passengers. SRB controller Richard Tajan is on the left.
SIBU: Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) targets zero incident for the coming festive celebrations, where mass exodus is expected at Sibu-Kapit sector and Kapit-Balleh/Putai sector.
Assistant Minister of Transportation Datuk Dr Jerip Susil recalled during the Gawai Dayak 2017 operation, the average daily passengers passing through Sibu Express Boat Terminal touched 8,000 people.
At passenger terminals in Kapit and Song – each recorded about 4,000 passengers, while another 2,000 people at Belaga Wharf in Kapit, he added.
“The Sibu-Kapit sector and Kapit-Balleh/Putai sector along Rajang River is expected to experience a big surge in passenger volume.
“SRB is prepared to face the anticipated increase in passengers by deploying enforcement personnel from outside (other regions) to assist in central region and instructing boat operators to provide additional boats, if needed,” he told reporters today.
Dr Jerip was met after representing Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, who is also Infrastructure Development and Transportation Minister, to launch the River Safety Campaign in conjunction with Gawai Dayak, Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations and mid-term school holidays 2018 at Sibu Express Boat Terminal.
He noted there were several incidents years ago, but throughout last year – zero incident was recorded.
“So, this year, we also aim to have zero incident – not just during Gawai Dayak celebration but throughout year.
“We are very serious about river transport safety so that it (safety) becomes part of the people’s culture when using the wharves, boats and all modes of public transportation in the rivers,” he asserted.
The board, he added, wanted to make people feel safe not just enforcement but all facilities available – even express boats must be in tip-top condition and those using the transportation understood the meaning of safety.