By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Aug 29: A new, customised fibre boat will soon replace the existing boat used by residents of Kampung Selampit to cross Sungai Kayan, following the recent tragic boat accident that claimed the lives of three students.
The initiative, led by Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang, is part of a broader effort to improve safety for river crossings in the area.
Billy announced that he had collaborated with the Sarawak Ministry of Transport (MOT) to design a boat specifically suited to the needs of Kampung Selampit.
“I approached MOT for a customised boat design, and I expect to receive the quotation next week,” Billy stated. He added that the boat’s purchase would be funded through his service center and with an allocation from the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKDCA).
This decision followed discussions with MOT, the Sarawak Rivers Board, GKCDA, the village head of Kampung Selampit, and the village’s Security and Development Committee.
The goal is to prevent future boating incidents by ensuring that the new boat is better suited for the local conditions.
Billy explained that the boat needs to be custom-made because standard designs may not be appropriate for the jetty’s berthing or landing requirements, especially during low tide.
The boat will also need to accommodate a motorcycle, reflecting the villagers’ transportation needs.
“The boat will comply with the Sarawak Rivers Board’s regulations, carrying a maximum of 12 passengers and equipped with all necessary safety measures, including life jackets and buoys,” Billy emphasised.
“We aim to replace the depleting boats currently in use with these new, safer fibre boats.”
The announcement came after a ceremony where Minister of Women, Children, and Community Well-being Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, alongside Petronas Senior Manager Zorazibah Md Rabu, provided assistance to the victims’ families.
The tragic accident, which occurred on Aug 20, resulted in the drowning of three SMK Senibong students when their boat capsized during a crossing. Their bodies were recovered in a subsequent search and rescue operation. — DayakDaily
