RURAL transportation is expected to get the right boost following the approval to build airfields in Bukit Sadok in Betong Division and Bukit Mabong in Kapit Division.
“These two airport projects rank highly in the list of projects that are being implemented in the current Eleventh Malaysia Plan by year 2019,” said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing in his winding up speech.
He said the projects were at the feasibility study stage and physical works were expected to start in the third quarter of next year.
According to him, when the projects are completed agricultural and jungle produce from many remote places served by these airfields would reach the market faster.
Masing went on to say that the government would continue to improve river transportation.
He said this was because river transport was still crucial to the socio-economic wellbeing of rural Sarawak.
According to him, as of last Oct 31, Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) has recorded a total of 2,109,899 passengers using the state’s waterways that support 5,247 vessels of various tonnages.
“These two figures indicate that river transport still remains an important part of our major transportation network in Sarawak,” Masing said, adding the issue of safety had become more pressing as a result.
He said vessels were required to carry and display a valid River Transport Permit (RTP).
He disclosed that 165 Aids to Navigation (AToN) gadgets were installed in the Southern Region of Kuching, Central Region of Sibu and Northern Region Miri.
He further said SRB’s enforcement boats also carried out river patrol, enforcement activities, site inspection, flood operations and preparatory services.
