KUCHING: Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) — an agency under the Ministry of Transport — will be conducting enforcement operations at rivers and passenger terminals which are frequented by communities using water transport.
Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin said the first phase will be carried out on December 21 to 24 while the second phase will be from December 31 to January 1, 2020.
“This is in conjunction with the Christmas holiday period and the upcoming commencement of school early next year,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He said the main objective of the enforcement operation was to target zero accidents, apart from preventing passenger boats from carrying excess loads, ensuring all passenger boats have valid River Transport Permits (RTPs), among others.
“SRB will mobilise 80 enforcement officers and 13 patrol boats during the operation period with the support of about 30 enforcement officers and 2 boats from other relevant departments and agencies,” he said.
The operation will involve static enforcement (terminal, wharf, and jetty control) and river blocks and patrols using speedboats.
Lee said it was expected that the Sibu-Song-Kapit sector and Kapit-Balleh/Putai/Belaga sector at Batang Rajang would experience an increase in total passengers and self-owned boats for communities celebrating Christmas.
The same was to be expected in the Sibu-Daro, Sibu-Igan, Sibu-Dalat, Sibu-Kuala Paloh sectors and the Sarikei-Tanjung Manis-Stalun-Belawai sector.
Lee added that the main focus of operations would be on passenger boats (registered with SRB and with RTPs) such as speedboats and self-owned boats (not registered with SRB and without RTPs).
“Express boat and commercial speedboats operators are advised to always prioritise passengers’ safety by ensuring that the boats do not carry beyond the prescribed limit, must have a valid River Transport Permit and charges impose for the water transport service must be approved by the state government.
“SRB is ready to deal with increased passengers and if additional boats are needed, SRB will give boat operators immediate approval for applications for additional trips,” he said, adding that boat operators would need to fill out the Form 10P (Extra Trip Application Form) at the nearest SRB office.
Lee stressed that speed boat operators were only authorised to carry up to 12 passengers at a time as specified in the licence and River Transport Permit. All passengers using the boat are required to wear safety jackets throughout the journey.
“Legal action will be taken against uninsured passenger boat operators with a maximum fine of RM5,000 or two years imprisonment or both,” Lee pointed out.
For those who use small boats, community boats or privately owned boats, he said it is advisable to put on safety jacket while sailing and ensure the safety jackets are adequate for all passengers in line with the ‘One Person, One Life Jacket’ river safety policy.
“Owners of merchant ships, cargo ships, express boats and speedboats sailing during the festive season are advised to slow down the speed limits of their vessels when diverting from small boats such as long boats or crossing villages along the river particularly in lowland villages.
“When encountering foggy weather, install appropriate navigation lights and slow down the speed of ship respectively,” he advised.
Lee urged boat operators and passengers to work together to ensure passengers arrive safely at their destinations.
“Remember, water transport users are advised not to board a full and loaded boat. Plan ahead of time to avoid congestion and follow all instructions from the enforcement officer on duty.”
