LUNDU: Custom-made fiber boats will soon be provided to replace the current vessels deemed unsuitable for river crossings, said Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang.
He stressed that the new boats would meet the specific needs of the local community, adapt to the topography and river flow as well as passenger capacity.
“We have engaged with all the community leaders here, including four heads of villages (KK), along with representatives from the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA), Sarawak Rivers Board, and the Ministry of Transport (MOT). The existing boats are no longer fit for river crossing purpose.
“These (new) boats cannot be the usual passenger boats like how it is currently; the new boats need to meet specific criteria, meaning it will be custom-made. For instance, it must be specially designed to carry motorcycles.
“I have given the MOT a week to come up with a design. Within two months, we must have the new boats ready,” he said.
He highlighted this when speaking to the media after presenting aids to the families of the victims of the Sungai Kayan boat capsize tragedy at Dewan Aseng, Kampung Bitokan yesterday (Aug 29).
Billy added that the new boats would be financed by his service center with allocations from the GKCDA.
“The cost is still unknown because these boats are custom-made. Ready-made options, like barges or fishing boats, are not suitable for our needs,” he explained.
Billy also stated that the new boats will have a maximum capacity of 12 passengers, as per Sarawak Rivers Board regulations. It will be equipped with safety measures such as life jackets, life buoys, and solar lamps.
Additionally, Billy said a safety committee will be set up with the cooperation of village security and development committees (JKKK) in the area.
“We are requesting the JKKK in this area to establish a safety committee involving various parties, including Parent Teacher Association, as they can help monitor and ensure safety of students, especially during peak times,” he added.
On August 20, a boat carrying 20 individuals, consisting an adult woman, a boat operator, and 15 students, capsized in Sungai Kayan here, claiming the lives of three secondary school students aged between 14 and 16.
