Dr Abdul Rahman (second right) with ferry operator Omarsedi (right) at Bukit Kota.
LIMBANG: More than 3,000 residents of seven villages on the opposite bank of the town here only have to pay RM1 per car to cross the Limbang River using the ferry when they drive to town.
It is a great relief for them as previously they had to pay RM 13 for a car and RM200 for a lorry before the Sarawak government stepped in to subsidise the fees for the crossing when Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg announced the subsidy on Dec 12.
Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail said yesterday the subsidy greatly helped the people in the area during a recent visit to Tri Cahaya Indera Kota Sdn Bhd ferry company in Bukit Kota.
Dr Abdul Rahman who is also Bukit Kota assemblyman said residents of Pendam, Gadong, Lubok Pangi, Lupak Rangas, Sangkarai, Lubok Sigantang, Lubok Piasau and surrounding communities and consumers from neighbouring Brunei will benefit from the subsidy.
He said a larger ferry will operate in February next year. It can accommodate 13 vehicles at any one time to replace the existing ferry that could only carry eight vehicles.
He said the ferry will be in service until the completion of the construction of the second bridge across Limbang river
“When the bridge is ready, the development of the riverfront area can be accelerated by developing the area into an industrial area in the future,” he said.