By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Oct 13: Fishermen at Sungai Apong can expect safer and easier access to the river within a month as a RM137,000 excavation project gets underway to clear accumulated sediment and a sunken vessel wreck obstructing their fishing activities.
Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Sri Lee Kim Shin said the project was given priority after the Persatuan Kotak Tangkap Ikan Sungai Apong formally appealed for assistance on Aug 5.
Speaking during today’s official site handover to the appointed contractor, he said the works would improve navigation for fishing boats, allowing fishermen to carry out their daily activities more easily and safely.
“For our fishing community, the river is not merely a waterway. It is essential to their daily livelihood. When fishermen face difficulties accessing the river safely, we must take their concerns seriously and work towards practical solutions,” Lee said.
He visited the site on Aug 19, accompanied by officers from the Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS), Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB), and Kuching South City Council (MBKS), to assess the fishing community’s challenges.
During the inspection, Lee found that accumulated sediment and a wrecked vessel were obstructing river access, limiting the number of boats able to berth at the existing wooden jetty, and directed SRB to expedite the necessary works to restore safer navigation along the river.
The excavation will cover a stretch measuring approximately 65 metres long, 10 metres wide, and two metres deep, with an estimated 1,300 cubic metres of sediment to be removed.
“The contractor will first remove the vessel wreckage before proceeding with the excavation. The contractor will dispose of the excavated materials at an approved location, subject to the necessary approvals.
“SRB invited 10 eligible contractors to submit quotations on Sept 23. After evaluating the submissions, SRB issued the Letter of Acceptance to Syarikat Alau Jaya on Oct 9.
“The site handover today marks the latest milestone in the project, which is expected to be completed within one month,” Lee added.
He said the initiative also involved improving facilities for fishermen using the old concrete jetty, which is currently underutilised.
MBKS had agreed to construct a concrete footpath to facilitate the unloading and transportation of freshly caught fish from the jetty.
Beyond addressing immediate navigation problems, Lee said Sungai Apong could become a more attractive community destination.
He supported plans to beautify the area, suggesting improved facilities could eventually attract visitors and create opportunities for seafood-related businesses.
“If they can catch more fish, then of course the prices can also go down, allowing people to enjoy cheaper fish,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak confirmed on Oct 12 that the project does not fall under the prescribed activities listed in the Natural Resources and Environment (Prescribed Activities) Order, 1994.
However, the works must still comply with applicable safety, river cleanliness and environmental requirements.
Lee said SRB will monitor the excavation in coordination with the contractor to ensure the project is completed safely and within the stipulated timeframe.
Also present at the site handover were SRB chairman Dr Safiee Ahmad, MBKS Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, SRB Controller Lt Col Ding Tiew Wong (Rtd), and representatives from MOTS and SRB. — DayakDaily
