By Yee Mei
KUCHING, Nov 29: Sarawak Transport Ministry (MOTS) has conducted the ‘Kursus Juru Ukur Pengangkutan Air’ course to train surveyors of boats weighing 15 tonnes and below, and upon completion, they will be able to take over the boat survey work from the federal department.
During his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, its minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, said the officers are currently undergoing practical training.
“To improve our maritime and riverine transport, we must keep ourselves abreast with the knowledge and skills in the field.
“This year, my ministry has conducted briefing sessions on the New Treaty in relation to the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (Solas), 1974 and Merchant Shipping (Safety at Sea) Act for all relevant government agencies and marine industry players,” he said.
Lee also disclosed that the ministry had taken the initiative to review regulatory framework pertaining to the maritime transport industry.
“This is significant to facilitate the growth of the maritime industry, such as shipbuilding and ship repair, as well as the development of the river economy in Sarawak.
“The maritime and riverine transport plays a pivotal role in facilitating our economic activities. Together with our agencies, namely Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) and Buoys and Lights Board (BLB), we will continue to ensure that river transport is well administered and regulated by providing the basic riverine infrastructure and an up-to-date Aids to Navigation (AtoN) for efficient monitoring of safety to navigation and security of our river users,” he said. — DayakDaily
