By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, May 14: Transport Deputy Minister Dato Henry Harry Jinep has called on the oil palm plantation companies transporting goods using the Batang Igan River to provide a special ferry to cater for its big lorries instead of sharing with other ferry users.
He said the companies should have its own ferry logistics so as to ensure the safety and comfort of the members of the public who use the ferry as the main route to get to their respective destinations.
“We have to take into account the safety of the public. If the lorries are too heavy and are using the small public ferries, this would endanger the other ferry users,” he told reporters when met at a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at Grand Margherita Hotel today.
He was responding in support of Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya’s call on Thursday (May 12) who urged oil palm plantation companies to provide for themselves a ferry service crossing Batang Igan specifically to transport their trucks.
Harry who is also Tasik Biru assemblyman further said the oil palm plantation companies around Batang Igan area should follow the companies in Pulau Bruit where they are using their own ferry and not the public ones, thus safeguarding the safety of the public.
When asked if the matter will be brought up to the ministry, Harry said there must be a discussion held between the oil palm industry players.
“If the companies have large and heavy vehicles transporting the products, they should have their own ferry.
“If they continue to share with the other ferry users, it will contribute to long queues especially during festive seasons,” he added. — DayakDaily
