Latest express boat incident a wake-up call — Dr Jerip

SIBU: Every river transport accident is a wake-up call to boat operators and passengers to buck up on safety measures, Assistant MinisterofTransportationDatukDr Jerip Susil said when commenting on the incident involving a Darobound express boat which caught fire on Monday afternoon.

All 27 passengers managed to get onto the river bank after the skipper berthed the express boat for them to make an emergency exit.

“Every river transport accident is a wake-up call because the level of awareness is not there yet.

“We are very concerned because the level of safety awareness is not very high. That is why our officers are putting all safety measures in place to ensure compliance with regard to the rules and regulations.

“The recent ferry accident in Lundu showed that river transport is as dangerous as road transport. That is why we are placing a lot of emphasis on boats, their structures and permits. Sarawak Rivers Board ( SRB) is mounting river blocks. We are also checking to ensure that the skippers are competent and properly licensed,” Dr Jerip told reporters after officiating at the integrated ‘Gawai Dayak 2017’ operation at Sibu Express Boat Terminal here.

Touching on the two-phase

Every river transport accident is a wake-up call because the level of awareness is not there yet. Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Assistant Minister of Transportation

operation, he said the first phase which started yesterday will last until May 31, while the second phase runs from June 5 until 11.

He pointed out that agencies involvedintheintegratedoperations included the Marine Department, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Royal Malaysia Police, People’s Volunteer Corps ( Rela), Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APM), and the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK).

Dr Jerip said boats would be checked for permits and compliance with safety requirements.

When asked about extra boat trips, he said these would be approved when the need arose.

On the matter of tickets from May 26 until 29 being fully booked, he gave his assurance that the board will approve additional trips to cater for the demand.

He emphasised the importance of having the number of tickets fixed to avoid overloading.

Among those present were SRB chairman Dr Murni Suhaili and assistant controller (region II) Christopher Chan.