ASAJAYA: Road users are told to adhere to the set standard operating procedures (SOPs) when using the ferry services in the state.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah in urging this, said he hoped for road users to be careful and avoid from driving hastily when boarding ferries.
He was alluding to the recent tragedy where a pick-up truck filled with passengers plunged into the Batang Lupar after it fell off a ferry ramp at Triso.
“What happened was a very sad situation. It should not have happened if all the SOPs or ferry entry and exit procedures are observed and practised.
“I hope that ferry users can follow the procedures set by JKR (Public Works Department) and ferry operators so that things like this do not happen again in the future,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after attending a Sports Carnival New Talent Search 2021 closing ceremony at Asajaya Sports Complex, here today (Jan 2).
“However, it has happened and many have been killed where most of them are youth.
“That is why it is very sad for me and I believe all Sarawakians are very saddened by this tragedy.
“I offer my condolences to the families involved in the hope that they will be able to deal with the ordeal,” he added.
During the tragic event on New Year’s Day, a four-month-old baby was among nine people who perished after the vehicle they were in went out of control and plunged into the river.
The Ford Ranger driven by a 33-year-old woman, was on the way to Kuching from Kapit via the Jalan Beladin-Meludam route.
