Sarawak Rivers Board prepares for surge in passenger volume

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Passengers register at the Sibu Express Boat Terminal counter.

SIBU: Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) is prepared to handle the anticipated surge in passenger volume heading upriver for the Christmas celebration and will approve extra boat trips on the spot.

SRB Sibu assistant controller (Region II) Hatta Morshidi said they have yet to receive any such application.

On the board’s preparations, he said a dialogue will be held with boat operators today.

“The dialogue is to remind operators on safety and compliance with conditions stipulated in the River Transport Permit (RTP).

“Operaters must have valid RTP and not carry excess passengers as stipulated in the RTP,” he said.

An observation at Sibu Express Boat Terminal yesterday noted that the ‘balik kampung’ rush is startingto gain momentum, with bigger crowds expected a few days before Christmas.

River transport remains the chief mode of transportation to the upper reaches of the Rajang River.