KUCHING: The express boat operators plying Sibu / Kapit sectors have requested to increase the fares from RM25.00 to RM35.00 for the extra trip during Hari Gawai Celebration.
However, the Sarawak State Government on 24th May 2018 has agreed and approved to subsidise the difference in the fare ticket i.e. RM10.00 for passengers onboard the extra trip express boat in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Gawai Celebration, for the period from May 25 to 31, 2018.
In another word, the passengers especially the rural folk who are going back for the Gawai Celebration only need to pay the normal fare of RM25.00 per trip for the extra trip provided by the express boat operator.
The fares are subsidised to:
• reduce and lessen the burden on express boat users / passengers during this coming Hari Gawai Celebration;
• overcome the manipulation of the fare price by express boat operators; and
• improve the security aspects of the terminal and control the number of passengers according to the express capacity of the express boats to avoid excess passengers.
With these provisions of subsidies, the state government hopes it will bring cheer to the people especially the rural folk during the festive season.
