By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 18: The express boat service between Kapit and Belaga has resumed since Nov 16.
Minister of Transport (MOT) Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the service was temporarily suspended in March 2024 due to declining ridership as road networks have expanded to some riverbank communities, leading to operational losses for the boat operators.
According to him, to facilitate the resumption, Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) has recently secured a federal government-funded fuel subsidy of 14,000 litres per month for this route, valid until October 2025.
“The service will now operate daily on alternating schedules from Kapit and Belaga, benefiting approximately 18,000 villagers along the Rajang River.
“The boat (service) will serve 78 longhouses, eight schools, two clinics and other key locations such as Nanga Merit, Nanga Pila trading post, Punan Bah, Long Segaham and Belaga Bazaar, providing an affordable and convenient mode of transport for the riverbank communities,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting here today.
He added SRB has also issued River Transport Permits to the express boat operators and will monitor navigation and passenger safety at designated landing terminals. — DayakDaily
