Jalil (right) and Malek laud the safety measures introduced by SRB.
SIBU: Express boat passengers here are full of praise for the stringent safety measures implemented by Sarawak Rivers’ Board (SRB).
Jalil Sirat said they made them feel safe travelling by boat.
“Only passengers with valid tickets are permitted to board the vessel. This shows a good ticketing system is being put in place which will go a long way to prevent overloading,” Jalil told The Borneo Post yesterday, referring to the ‘No Ticket, No Entry’ policy.
He was heading home to Penipah, Daro, to spend Hari Raya Aidilfitri with his family.
He had no problem obtaining the boat ticket.
“The schedules are well planned so there is no rush among passengers to return to their destinations,” added Jalil.
On Saturday, SRB assistant controller, region two Christopher Chan said they had approved additional trips to Pulau Bruit.
Excited about returning home, Jalil said it would take him hours to reach his village depending on the tide.
After reaching Pulau Bruit, he needs to take another boat to Penipah.
According to Jalil, there are about 250 houses there with a population of about 2,000 people.
The chief occupation of folks there are fishing and farming. Some work in the government or private sector.
Jalil’s brother Malek Sirat too gave the thumbs-up to SRB’s safety measures.