Volume of boat passengers increases for GE14

SIBU: There was a sizeable increase in the number of passengers heading to Song and Kapit in the run-up to May 9 polls with no untoward incident reported.

Sarawak Rivers Board ( SRB) assistant controller for Sibu ( Region II) Hatta Morshidi disclosed this yesterday.

“Passengers volume jumped from 1,422 on May 7 to 2,289 on May 8 for both arrivals and departures at Sibu Express Boat Terminal.

“A similar situation was observed at Kapit Wharf for both inbound and outbound passengers,” he said.

He attributed the zero incident throughout the election period to good compliance among boat operators and passengers on safety requirements.

“They gave very good cooperation to the board and we look forward to continued cooperation. Safety is our top priority.”

Hatta added that SRB has stringently enforced the ‘No ticket, No Entry’ policy and pre- departure inspection to prevent overloading as well checked for adequate life jackets onboard. There are 15 boat trips daily to Song and Kapit.

On the festive crowd returning for Gawai Dayak celebration, he expected it to swell from May 25 till 31.

For the record, boats plying to Song and Kapit berthed at Sibu Express Boat Terminal.

Express boats plying the downriver routes, namely Passin, Daro, Igan and Pulau Bruit, are berthed at Kapit wharf here.