By DayakDaily Team
LUNDU, Jan 3: Two fiberglass boats, costing RM290,400 in total, will be provided to ensure safe transportation for residents of Kampung Selampit and Kampung Bitokan along Sungai Kayan.
In a news report by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang highlighted that these newly designed boats are an interim solution while awaiting the completion of the Selampit Bridge.
The boats are specifically tailored to meet the needs of residents who depend on waterways as their primary mode of transport.
This initiative followed a tragic boat accident on Aug 20 last year that claimed the lives of three students from SMK Senibong—a 14-year-old girl, a 17-year-old girl, and a 15-year-old boy. The boat, carrying approximately 20 passengers and a motorcycle, capsized while crossing Sungai Kayan around 6.10am, throwing everyone onboard into the river.
Billy emphasised that this effort reflects the Sarawak government’s commitment to enhancing safety and efficiency in rural transportation.
“The government recognises the challenges faced by residents who rely on waterways. These boats will ensure they can maintain their daily routines with minimal disruption while the bridge project progresses,” he said after attending a trial session for the new boats on Wednesday (Jan 1).
The boats will be delivered and handed over to the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of Kampung Selampit for management and maintenance.
Villagers warmly welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that the boats would ease their daily activities, including transporting children to school and carrying agricultural produce to the market.
Meanwhile, the much-anticipated construction of the Selampit Bridge, with an allocated budget of RM27.94 million, commenced in October last year following the completion of compensation payments to affected landowners. The bridge is expected to be completed within three years. —DayakDaily
