For nearly two decades, river transport in the state boasted an impressive safety record but the express boat tragedy at Ulu Tatau last Monday that claimed 13 lives severely marred its reputation.
Many questions remained unanswered as to whether stringent safety precautions had been put in place since the last incident that happened in Kanowit in 1991, where two express boats met in a head-on-collision.
The heart-wrenching incident had led to speculations on what caused the accident or how it could have been avoided.
This eventually, prompted loud calls among politicians and public alike for more stringent safety precautions to be instituted in express boats to safeguard the safety of passengers and prevent future recurrence.
Safety professionals from diverse industries backgrounds meanwhile, arrived at a common stand that it is imperative safety culture be inculcated to form part and parcel of people’s lives especially among the younger generation.
To find out what measures should be taken to enhance the safety of river transport, theSundaypost interviewed safety professionals, who have more than 20 years experience in safety-related projects, training or providing consultancy services.
Safety briefing
Major (rtd) Kamarulzaman Musa, chief executive officer (ceo) of KLIA Professional and Management College, Kuala Lumpur proposed that a safety briefing be introduced in express boats, similar to that of the airlines.
“The crew members will explain to the passengers about the safety procedures that they (passengers) need to take note in event of emergency.
“This includes telling them where the emergency exits are and where to retrieve their life jackets. It is also crucial to explain to them that they must not place their luggage in a way that hinders their own escape during emergency.
“In so doing, passengers will become more proactive in taking charge of their own safety.”
He added that toolbox or safety briefing was conducted regularly in construction sites to create a heightened awareness among workers on the need to place safety above everything.
Over time, the safety culture would become an integral part of the overall working culture, he said, adding that the briefing ought to be simple and light.
Seconding Kamarulzaman’s view was Pelita Maslaut Sdn Bhd training manager Captain Mohd Alli, who said safety briefing would prepare passengers on actions to be taken in event of an emergency.
He added: “Passengers would be able to retain their composure and not panic under such stressful circumstances.
“A panicky situation could aggravate the situation and cause more complications.”
The 60-year-old former marine police officer stressed that the briefing would prepare passengers to better follow instructions.
The training manager advocated that the safety briefing must include demonstration on ways to put on life jackets.
“Never take for granted or assume that passengers know how to put on life jackets,” Mohd Alli cautioned.
When asked if safety briefing would be introduced in express boats, Sarawak Rivers Board’s (SRB) chairman Roland Sagah Wee Inn told thesundaypost that they are looking into such possibility.
“This will be among the safety measures that we will take into considerations,” Sagah assured.
Life jackets
Kamarulzaman pointed out that life jackets must be placed at the spot where they are easily sighted and can be easily retrieved preferably underneath passengers’ seats.
He reckoned that it would defeat the purpose of providing life jackets if they cannot be easily retrieved during emergency.
Initial report had it that the life jackets were placed at the back of the ill-fated vessel which capsized at Ulu Tatau to make more space for passengers.
“Life jackets should be placed under the seats, on in an overhead compartment. Passengers are strongly advised to put them on after taking their seats,” said National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, adding that it is important to take action to improve the rate of survival.
Lee admitted that this is very difficult to enforce, just like the enforcement of motorbike safety helmets, and rear passenger seatbelts on cars.
“But some smaller speedboats are already implementing this now,” he noted.
Emergency exits
Kamarulzaman said emergency exits must be made known to passengers upon boarding the boat, which necessitated for a safety briefing.
He reminded that it was most important the exit was not blocked or hindered by objects as this could severely slow down passengers’ escape.