New ferry service connects Sebuyau and Pusa

SEBUYAU: The Sebuyau-Triso ferry service, which started operation yesterday, has shortened the travel distance between Kuching and Pusa by 56km (using coastal road) compared to using the trunk road which is 271km apart.

Saying this was Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication Dato Sri Michael Manyin when officiating at the opening ceremony yesterday.

He said the ferry service in the Batang Lupar constituency was the ninth of such service in the state, which were operated by Public Works Dept except for two that were operated by private organisation.

“The ferry over Batang Lupar estuary, costing about RM5 million, connects Sebuyau with Triso, and is another milestone in the coastal road programme,” Manyin said.

“It provides a shorter travel alternative from Kuching to Maludam/ Beladin peninsula in Betong Division.”

Manyin also said the ferry service would enable people from Sebangan/ Sebuyau/ Simunjan to have direct route to Sarikei, Meradong and Sibu.

“And by way of the recently completed Sibu/Bawang Assam/ Seredeng road, they can also travel all the way to Daro, Matu Igan, Mukah, Bintulu and Miri.”

The Batang Lupar ferry, he added, was only temporary as a bridge had been proposed to be built over the river.

Still on the ferry service, Manyin said the government would normally spend about

The ferry over Batang Lupar estuary, costing about RM5 million, connects Sebuyau with Triso, and is another milestone in the coastal road programme. Dato Sri Michael Manyin, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication

RM4.5 million a year to maintain PWD- operated ferries throughout the state. He also mentioned that two ferry services would be provided in Kuala Tatau and Sebauh. The cabinet had approved the proposal.

Batang Lupar incumbent MP Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim, who was also present at the function, said the ferry service would greatly benefit the local people.

“It will provide them more opportunities to be involved in economic activities to improve their livelihood.”

On another subject, Manyin said that five more flyovers – at Datuk Abang Kipali Roundabout in Petra Jaya, Jalan Mendu-Batu Lintang intersection, Mile 2½, Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce and Stutong - would be built in Kuching to overcome the traffic congestion problem in the city.

Also present were assemblymen from Sebuyau, Beting Maro and Sadong Jaya - Julaihi Narawi, Razaili Gapor and Aidel Lariwoo respectively.

NEW FERRY SERVICE: (From left) Julaihi, Manyin, Rohani and others disembark from the ferry at Triso Jetty after the launching ceremony.

NEEDY FAMILY: Hipni (left) cradling Nurulsyafika after receiving food donations from Aidan (right). Also seen are Nor Daitul with Zulfika (second left) and Temah (third right).