By Jacob Achoi
KUCHING, Oct 13: The safety aspects of the riverine transportation in the Bengoh Dam will not be neglected.
Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said boat operators will be given safety training, while riverine traffic signages will be put up along the bank of the dam.
He said the issue was fundamental in view that the area receives tourists, where safety was of paramount importance.
The upper area of the dam is home to a few villages, such as Kampung Sting, Kampung Muk Ayun and Kampung Nyegor, and famed for its view and waterfalls in the area.
The visitors are ferried by 18 local tourist boat operators.
“On the part of Ministry of Transport (MOT), the issue of riverine safety in the area will become our main focus where all the 18 boat operators will be given training and always be monitored by Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) from time to time,” Lee told reporters during the visit to the dam with officers from the ministry and SRB.
Today’s visit also include handing over of 38 life jackets to the boat operators, while Lee also added that RM250,000 has been allocated to erect five units of riverine traffic signage along the banks of the Bengoh Dam by April next year.
Lee pointed out that recommendations to improve the boats of the operators and the facility like the jetties in Muk Ayun, Rarag, Dayak, Nyegor and Kandung will be made after the working visit today.
Lee also said that keeping the dam clean was also compulsory and urged the people in the area to cooperate with the government.
“Keeping the dam clean is a must because it is the water reservoir for the people in Kuching, so we ought to work together,” Lee said.
Meanwhile, Lee said he will visit all the dams in the state, having visited Baking Dam recently for the same purpose.
Present during the visit was Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, who said that the presentation of life jackets was to add to the ones that the boat operators already have.
SRB chairman Dr Murni Suhaili was also present during the visit. — DayakDaily
