Monitor express boat operation, Sarawak Rivers Board told

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Garry Hassim

MIRI: Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) should consider monitoring express boat businesses in Marudi to help develop the tourism industry there.

In giving this suggestion, councillor Garry Hassim said as of now the operations of express boats in Marudi are inconsistent, which have caused major problems in bringing tourists to places like Mulu National Park by river transport.

“This year is Visit Malaysia Year, so we are hoping that relevant authorities such as SRB could look into the need to monitor and check the safety of the express boats,” he said when met here recently.

Garry, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Telang Usan youth wing deputy chairman, lamented that express boats which used to ply at least twice a week to Tutoh Apoh in Central Baram from Marudi were making inconsistent trips due to lack of passengers.

“Because these express boat operators do not operate daily or have a fixed travelling schedule, the people find it very difficult.

“Many would choose travelling by express boat because it is cheaper,” he added, although they have option to travel by road.

Infrastructure Development and Communication Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin was reported in The Borneo Post as saying that rivers would still serve as one of the most important modes of transportation in the next few years.

“In the news published in The Borneo Post on Jan 17 this year, he said that SRB plays vital role in ensuring that river transportation is effective and efficient,” he said.