KUCHING, Oct 22: Old navigational aids equipment and facilities such as buoys and various lights and markers installed at onshore stations, including ports and jetties, must be replaced and upgraded with the latest technology to increase mariners’ safety and ensure zero accidents.
Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin raised this following a visit to the Bintulu Port Authority (BPA) and Sarawak Petchem Sdn Bhd’s Methanol Plant jetty in Bintulu on Oct 20.
With Bintulu Port being an international port owned by Malaysia and recognised as the third largest port in the world for exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG), Lee stressed the safety of all ships, especially LNG ships moving in and out of the port, must remain a priority.
“As such, the aids to navigation systems (ATONS), such as buoys, various lights and marks, must be equipped with the latest technology.
“The equipment and facilities must also be well maintained and meet the standards set by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA).
“With that aim, security facilities that have been around for a long time should be replaced so as not to affect the safety of ships that come to operate at Bintulu Port,” he said in a statement today.
Lee thus requested that a special discussion be held between BPA and the Sarawak Buoy and Lights Authority (LBAS) together with the Ministry to improve further the safety level of ATONS, which is adapted to maintain a record of zero accidents at Bintulu Port.
As for the methanol plant located at Tanjung Kidurong, it is the first methanol plant in Sarawak, with a production capacity of 5,000 metric tonnes per day.
Upon being given a briefing by Petchem Sarawak deputy project manager Safian Shafiee on the ATONS, which will be installed along the 3km jetty that connects the wharf for ship loading and export of products, Lee also urged for high-technology equipment to be used.
He also requested a meeting with the stakeholders to discuss suitable navigation aids for the jetty operation.
The delegation included Tanjung Datu assemblyman Johnny Pang, Ministry’s permanent secretary Ir Alice Jawan and LBAS deputy chairman cum Malaysia Marine Department Sarawak Region director Mohamad Marzuki Brahim. — DayakDaily
