Prioritise safety, ‘balik kampung’ folk told

SIBU: Those heading back to their home villages and towns for Christmas – whether by land, water or air transportation – have been advised to never compromise on safety, especially in view of the anticipated ‘balik kampung’ exodus.

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye advised the people to plan their journey ahead to avoid the last-minute rush.

“This is the time of the year when you must give top priority to your safety.

“The usual scenario is everybody wants to get home at the very last minute and rushes to board the express boats, which causes overcrowding that also invites many risks of accidents. So, the best thing is to be smart and plan ahead,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Lee also advised employees to discuss with their employers on how best the journey should be organised.

“If possible, make adjustments on their (employees’) time and leave to avoid the last-minute rush,” he said.

Adding on, Lee also called upon law enforcement authorities to conduct regular inspections to ensure that all the safety regulations would be complied with.

“This is very essential to ensure safety throughout the journey; there had been far too many accidents.”

Lee, who is also Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) chairman, reminded those driving home for the celebration to be always alert and have adequate rest before undertaking such journey. He urged them to reduce speed whenever they approached sharp bends or travelled along narrow roads.

Meanwhile, an observation at Sibu Express Boat Terminal yesterday showed that the ‘balik kampung’ crowd had begun to pick up. Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) mounted the first phase of its Christmas operation for this region yesterday, which would run till Christmas Eve (Dec 24).