LIMBANG: The Sarawak government is committed to ensuring a safe and comfortable river transportation system.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said the authorities are organising awareness programmes with emphasis on river safety and cleanliness.
“The River Safety and Cleanliness Awareness Programme is an initiative, commitment, and continuous effort by the Sarawak government through the Sarawak Ministry of Transport (MOTS) to increase public awareness on the importance of safety aspects on the river and to maintain river cleanliness and its surroundings,” he said.
He was officiating at the River Safety and Cleanliness Awareness Programme at the Limbang Express Terminal yesterday (May 3).
On the same note, the assemblyman also suggested upgrading and maintaining the nearby Customs Limbang jetty pontoon bridge, as it is currently unsafe for use.
He also urged the local community and riverbank business operators not to dump waste, domestic waste, and rubbish into the river, as it is important for the livelihood of fishermen, marine life habitats, and tourist attractions.
In the same programme, a total of 44 Limbang river taxi operators (also know as bot penambang) under the supervision of the Persatuan Bot Penambang Limbang, obtained permits to operate their respective boats.
Lee hoped these operators will comply with the regulations and attend courses organised by his ministry to ensure their own and passengers’ safety.
During the programme, a symbolic handover of safety jackets and an inspection of boats were also conducted at the Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge and the Malaysia/Brunei Darussalam River Border.
Also present were Transport Deputy Minister Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Palu Gumbang, Permanent Secretary of MoTS Datuk Alice Jawan Empaling, retired Lieutenant Colonel Ding Tiew Wong of the Sarawak Rivers Board, representative for Limbang Resident Ayunni Tamimi, Limbang District Officer Mohd Sobree Damit, and Persatuan Bot Penambang Limbang chairman Abdul Rahim Ramli.
