Express boat service still popular in Bintulu, says Transport Minister

Lee (third left) handing over BKSS assistance to express boat operators at Bintulu Terminal on Sept 1, 2022. Picture taken from Ukas.

KUCHING, Sept 2: Express boats remain one of the main modes of transport for the residents in Bintulu, says Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

He said statistics showed more than 70,000 residents of Bintulu are still using express boats to travel around.

“In Bintulu, many still use express boats, including passenger ferries.

“According to statistics, from January to July 31 this year, the number of express boat passengers totals 77,018,” he said at the Sarawakku Sayang Special Aid (BKSS) handover ceremony at Bintulu Terminal on Thursday (Sept 1).

According to a news report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), 12 express boat operators each received the one-off BKSS assistance worth RM500 at the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Lee also informed that the project to replace the freight platform at Bintulu Terminal would begin soon after being approved in the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).

“We also have plans to replace the freight platform, which will be implemented by the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) under the 12MP.

“This is being worked on, and we are waiting for approval. We hope it will be implemented by the end of this year,” he said. ā€” DayakDaily