By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 19: Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin has directed the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) to expedite excavation works to remove sedimentation in the vicinity of the Sungai Apong Fishery Wharf to improve river access and berthing conditions for fishing vessels.
Lee issued the directive after leading officers from the Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) and SRB on a site visit to the wharf today to assess the conditions on the ground and hear directly from members of the local fishing community.
During the visit, representatives of Persatuan Kotak Tangkap Ikan Sungai Apong highlighted difficulties faced by fishermen and called for improvements to the river channel and access to the wharf.
SRB had received an official application from the association dated Aug 5, 2026, seeking the deepening of the river channel and the clearing of trees in the vicinity of the wharf.
Following the inspection and engagement with the fishing community, Lee directed SRB to expedite the necessary excavation works to remove sedimentation, as well as to remove an existing vessel wreck that is affecting river access.
“The measures are necessary to facilitate smoother access and berthing for fishing vessels operating from the wharf,” he said in a statement today.
Lee stressed that infrastructure serving the fishing community must take into account the operational needs of its users, noting that adequate water depth and good access to the wharf directly affect fishermen’s daily activities and livelihoods.
“We came here today to see the situation for ourselves and to hear directly from the fishermen about the problems they are facing. Having seen the conditions on the ground, I have asked SRB to take the necessary action as soon as possible,” he said.
Also present during the site visit were Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, political secretary to the Premier of Sarawak Kho Teck Wan, SUPP Public Complaints Bureau chief Milton Foo, SRB controller Lt Col (Rtd) Ding Tiew Wong, and head of the Riverine and Maritime Transport Division, MOTS, Constantine Gerald David Jonas.
Representatives of the Kuching Apong River Fish Trap Association and other officials from MOTS and SRB were also present. — DayakDaily
