SIBU: River transport is still relevant in the state especially when existing facilities are upgraded, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing when he officiated at the Sarawak Rivers Board’s (SRB) 25th anniversary celebration at a hotel here on Monday night.
“With regards to the development of other modes of transportation like upgrading of airports and construction of the Pan Borneo Highway and other road projects to connect towns and cities, for example, the Kapit to Sibu road is expected not to have a big impact on the riverine transportation system.
“This is because many villages and longhouses are on river banks which are away from the road links. With that, it is expected that the riverine transportation system is still relevant especially so when the existing facilities are upgraded.
“The journey by river has always been shortened and fast as compared to by road due to traffic congestion,” Masing pointed out.
Reflecting on SRB’s achievements since its inception, Masing who is also Minister for Infrastructure Development and Transportation said that it was clear how the riverine transportation system developed in tandem with the passage of time.
He pointed out that many infrastructure programmes were implemented to improve and upgrade existing facilities.
“Now boats overloaded with cargoes and excess passengers are very much reduced and hardly seen anymore,” he added.
On the other hand, he said SRB boats are patrolling day in and day out to ensure and monitor river activities and boat operators comply with SRB’s requirements.
“This will eventually enhance public confidence in river transport due to the high safety standard.
“However, there are still mammoth tasks for SRB to undertake, especially in the aspect of maintaining the relevancy of river transport and its competitiveness.
“Hence, among the important aspects is the need to upgrade terminals to international standard for the passengers’ comfort. As for revenue to the government, the user pay principle has to be applied, such as coupon system for terminal fees and anchorage fees which will replace the old conservative billing system.
“I really hope that the dream to have and implement passengers terminal of international standard will become a reality in future. In addition, I would love to see Sarawak have clean and beautiful rivers, not only can they attract tourists but also inspire us love our rivers in ourselves.”
“Thus it is my hope that all of us will give our full cooperation to SRB as not to discriminately throw our rubbish into the rivers. We must remember, history will revile us if we inherit dirty rivers for our future generations,” he said.
Among those present was SRB controller, Richard Tajan.
