Lee (centre) receives a memento from Marine Department Miri head assistant director Shah Habidin Arib Jaafar.
MIRI: Warning and speed limit signs have been proposed for sections of rivers in Sarawak. Minister of Transport Datuk Lee Kim Shin said the signs could serve as reminders as part of efforts to improve river transportation safety.
“Boats or vessels using our rivers need to look into the safety precautions that we need to take in order to prevent accidents from happening,” he said following a visit to the Marine Department Eastern Region office here on Monday.
Lee said river signs are necessary not only in Limbang River, where in September 2018 two boats collided, but the whole of Sarawak as the rivers are used by many boats.
He called on the Marine Department and Sarawak Rivers Board to cooperate regarding sea and river safety.
“We want both parties, Marine Department and Sarawak Rivers Board, to better understand their responsibilities in ensuring safety of the river and sea users, by monitoring and supervising accordingly to their tasks,” Lee said.
He said the visit was to introduce Ministry of Transport staff to the Marine Department to improve cooperation.
“When they know each other, it is easier to work together and coordinate in exercising their duties,” he said.
The Marine Department Eastern Region covers Bintulu, Miri, Limbang, and Lawas.