By Brad Rantayy
MIRI, March 7: Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau has proposed the building of a designated parking lot (hub) in the city for rural transporters to Long Lama and interior Baram.
He said this would make it easier for customers to find these transporters when requiring their services.
In addition, he expressed hope that the government could channel aid to the transporters that is similar to the scheme given to local fishermen. Such assistance would greatly help the transporters to maintain their vehicles, especially considering that they are providing services to help the rural community.
Dennis added that these transporters not only ferry locals but also tourists. In this regards, they are considered the frontliners playing a crucial role promoting the state’s tourism sector.
“Perhaps the government could supply them with tyres and fuel subsidy, as they not only transport their passengers from town to interior areas such as Baram, but ferrying tourists to these places.
“They are the frontliners. Apart from transporting tourists safely to their destinations, they also act as a tourist guide by telling them about the place of interest in these areas such as Baram, the cultural and attractive places to visit,” he said in his speech at the Telang Usan Four-Wheel Drive Owners’ association annual general meeting (AGM) here yesterday.
The association, formed three years ago, has some 100 members and many of them are working fulltime as transporters having come from the interior areas like Baram.
Dennis also advised transporters not to overcharge customers for their services and follow a standard rate.
At the event, the Telang Usan lawmaker announced an allocation of RM10,000 from Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sebastian Ting, who could not attend the meeting.
Association chairman Jarau Braim and Baram MP Anyie Ngau were present. — DayakDaily
