‘Raise the bar on safety at Kapit terminal’
KAPIT: Express boat passengers have called on the authorities to improve safety at the Kapit- Sibu Express Boat Terminal.
The often muddy and slippery conditions on the stairs connecting the jetty to the terminal and the lack of safety grab bars endanger the hundreds of passengers and workers at the terminal daily.
Recently, pensioner Anthony
On that morning as I walked down the stairs to the awaiting boat, there was a little rain and the ground was slippery. Although I tried to mind my steps, I lost grip and fell flat on the platform.
Anthony Jalin Manggie, pensioner
Jalin Manggie slipped and fell while on his way to board an express boat to Sibu.
“On that morning as I walked down the stairs to the awaiting boat, there was a little rain and the ground was slippery. Although I tried to mind my steps, I lost grip and fell flat on the platform.
“Luckily there were many passengers around who lent a helping hand or else the consequences could have been even worse. It was so painful that I had to seek the help of a (traditional) Chinese medicine man in Sibu as my left arm was sprained with bruises all over,” he said.
Anthony said although the incident happened a week ago, he is still suffering the consequences.
“What would happen if a pregnant woman fell down or if during the transferring of a patient to Sibu Hospital, being carried on a stretcher accompanied by the hospital staff?
“There are daily referrals of patients from Kapit Hospital to Sibu Hospital,” he added.
Fellow express boat user Wong Lik Seng said the authorities must act immediately.
“It’s very bad, very slippery, especially during rainy days or if the mud is left there after the water level has subsided after a high tide. A lot of complaints have been made but fallen on deaf ears. No action has been taken.
“It’s not because the authorities are not aware, but the excuse is no funding and we the users suffer,” said Wong.
“Since express boats are the only mode of transport between Kapit and the outside world, there is every need for the authorities to maintain the terminal properly to ensure safety and convenience for all users.”