DCM: River transportation still vital in Sarawak
SIBU: The Sarawak Rivers Board ( SRB) must upgrade and modernise passenger terminals to ensure that river transportation can compete with other modes of transportation and would remain relevant.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing made this call when officiating at SRB’s 25th anniversary celebration at a hotel here on Monday.
Masing said the development of other modes of transportation like upgrading of airports, construction of Pan Borneo Highway and the improvement of connectivity between towns and cities like the road from Kapit to Sibu, would not greatly impact river transportation in Sarawak.
This is because many villages and Ionghouses are located along the river and are not connected by roads, he said.
“With that, it is expected that the river transportation is still relevant especially so when the existing facilities are upgraded.
“The journey by river can
I really hope that the dream for Sarawak to possess and implement passenger terminals of international standard comes to reality in future by SRB.
be faster as compared to road transportation due to congestion,” he said.
However, Masing said SRB must be far- sighted and keep up with the development of the transport industry and higher expectations of passengers.
“The user-pay-principle has to be applied such as coupon system for terminal fees and anchorage fees, which will replace the old conservative billing system.
“I really hope that the dream for Sarawak to possess and implement passenger terminals of international standard would come to reality in future by SRB.”
Assistant Minister of Transportation Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, SRB controller Richard Tajan and Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Transportation permanent secretary Datu Safri Zainudin were also present at the event.
Earlier Masing – also Minister of Infrastructure Development and Transportation – lauded SRB on its efforts in improving the river transportation system in Sarawak since its inception in 1993 through the upgrading of the facilities at terminals and wharfs, as well as enforcement programmes that aim to enhance the safety of passengers and other regular users of river transportation.
“( The incidence of) boats with overloading goods and excess passengers has been much reduced and is hardly seen.
“Enforcement boats from SRB (go out) patrolling day in and day out to ensure that riverine activities and the plying boats are in compliance to SRB’s requirements – (this) will enhance the public confidence in the safety of travelling by river,” he said.
Masing said he would love to see Sarawak to have clean and beautiful rivers, pointing out that this could attract tourists and inspire people ‘ to love our rivers’.
“Thus, it is my hope that all of us would give our full cooperation to the board and not throw our rubbish into the rivers.
“We must remember – history will revile us should we leave behind dirty rivers for our next generation,” he said.
Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing, Deputy Chief Minister