BAKO: Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin wants Bako National Park boat operators to improve their services while also prioritising the safety of their clients.
“Boat operators must follow all the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) because they are in the business of transporting passengers, both local and foreign, from Bako Terminal to Bako National Park.”
The Minister for Transport added that this was necessary so that the number of tourist arrivals would increase, thus contributing to their socioeconomic wellbeing.
He said this at the Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) 8.0 cheque presentation here on Wednesday (Aug 24).
“You should also always maintain a high safety standard, by making the wearing of life jackets a must to increase public confidence.”
Lee added that this was important considering that in the first quarter of this year, Sarawak’s tourism sector saw an 80 per cent increase in visitor arrivals.
“This proves that our tourism sector is gradually recovering, therefore it is very important that your services are improved so that tourists will promote Sarawak to their contacts when they return home,” Lee, who is also the Senadin assemblyman, said.
Commenting on the RM1 one-stop bus initiative in major areas across the state, he said it was still being pursued by the Sarawak government.
“This initiative is for everyone, including tourists. It is to encourage the use of public services in the major cities and towns, while at the same time increasing the arrival of tourists.”
At the same time, he said it gave bus companies an opportunity to improve their services and help reduce traffic congestion.
During Wednesday’s event, 66 boat operators received a one-off financial assistance of RM500 per person.
Also present was Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, who contributed RM10,000 for the construction of a new arch at the village.
