KUCHING: Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin has called upon the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) to explore the potential of rivers as an alternative route for transporting goods in the region.
He highlighted that the existing well-established road connections, such as those in Sibu and Kapit, have led to the underutilisation of numerous docks across Sarawak.
“In the past, express boats were widely used for cargo and goods shipment but roads are now the choice for many shippers, resulting in many inactive docks.
“To this end, we need to encourage them to use rivers to transport goods and cargoes.”
Lee said this during a dinner reception in conjunction with the SRB’s 30th anniversary celebration at Hilton Hotel here last night (Oct 25).
He stressed the need to explore innovative approaches to encourage those transporting heavy goods and cargoes for construction, including stones, sand, cement, and soil, to use river transport.
“We should find a new approach to encourage vehicles carrying bulk goods such as construction goods or palm oil products to opt for river transport.
“This not only enhances safety but also addresses the issue of excess load, a major contributor to road damage.
“Thus, I propose that our rivers board proactively strive for more concerted efforts in the future.”
The event also saw Lee presenting the Excellent Service Award (APC) to 19 SRB members, alongside six members who have served for 30 years with the SRB.
Also in attendance were Deputy Transport Ministers Datuk Dr Jerip Susil and Datuk Henry Harry Jinep; Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng JIn Ek; SRB chairman Dr Murni Suhaili; Ministry of Transport permanent secretary Datuk Ir Alice Jawan Empaling; and Sarawak Department of Irrigation and Drainage director Ir Ahmad Denney Ahmad Fauzi.
