Mandatory for boats to provide life jackets

SIBU: It is mandatory for all boats registered with Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) with valid river transport permit (RTP) to provide life jackets.

SRB controller Richard Tajan said yesterday this is clearly stipulated under Sarawak Rivers (Traffic) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations, 2018 of Sarawak Rivers Ordinance.

Citing the regulations, he said: “Every person travelling in an open boat registered with the board shall wear lifejackets at all times when underway in any river.”

Richard pointed out that the board has been holding awareness and safety campaigns to stress the importance of using life jacket to rural folks.

“Last year, we held about 35 safety campaigns throughout the state and this year, we plan to do more,” he said.