By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Oct 28: The 3rd, 6th and 7th Divisions Express Boats Association today appealed to the state government to dredge two stretches of riverbeds in the Central Region before they become too shallow for river navigation.
Its deputy chairman Ting Chuo Won said these two stretches — from Kanowit to Sibu along Rajang River and at the river mouth of Pulau Bruit — were difficult for express boat operators to manoeuvre along when the tide is low during the dry season.
“For the one along Rajang River, during the dry season and the tide is low, the water level may be as low as six feet. For express boats, we can navigate as long as the river level is at least six feet. But for ‘tongkang’ or barges, they would have to wait for the water level to rise before they can proceed,” he told DayakDaily.
He revealed that when the water level is low, express boat operators would have to navigate to the deeper end of the river. This can be done only by those who are experienced and are familiar with the river.
“There has been no problem so far because we are very experienced, and we know how to navigate by locating the deeper part of the river. But if the government can dredge the river, it would be better. For the time being, we can still manage,” he said. — DayakDaily
