Reconsider the shortening of ferry operation hours, govt urged

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Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman

Hasbi Habibollah

LIMBANG: The government is urged to reconsider the shortening of ferry operation hours at Sg Limbang and Kuala Lawas during the movement control order (MCO).

Assistant Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Lands and Regional Development, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail said the revision of services for the two ferries was badly affecting the people especially those living across the river who depend solely on the service.

“We will get further information from the operator – the Public Works Department – on the revision of services.

“However, if the benefits of suspension of services outweigh the operation then the people have to abide by the requirements,” he said to comment on the two ferry service temporary suspension effective yesterday (March 26) until March 31.

PWD in a statement on Wednesday said the revised ferry service operating hours was in line with the government’s efforts in implementing MCO to contain the spread of Covid-19

The Sg Limbang ferry service is discontinued. However, the ferry will be on standby for use by frontliners, law enforcers and medical teams from 5am to 8pm.

The operation hours at the Kuala Lawas ferry service for the public is shortened from 7am to 7pm. The ferry will be on ‘standby’ for frontliners for up to 10pm.

Meanwhile, Deputy Transport Minister Hasbi Habibollah said the revamped ferry services were in accordance with the MCO’s objectives of curbing the spread of Covid-19.

“The cessation of ferry operations not only involves Sg Limbang ferry but also other ferry services nationwide. Thus, people need not have to worry as head of each family can still buy necessities,” he said when contacted yesterday.

He added for emergency cases like seeking medical treatment at hospitals, they can use land transport using the Ipai/Lubuk Sigantang road.

“As responsible citizens we have to abide by the MCO. For   necessities we have to commute using the Lubok Sigantang road, although it is quite far for villagers from Kampung Pandam, Lubuk Pangi, Gadong, Lupak Rangas and Sangkarai,” said a villager who wished anonymity