KUCHING, March 16: Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin has urged the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) to forge a close collaboration with the Ministry to bolster the use of rivers in Sarawak as key transportation arteries for transporting bulky goods, in a bid to alleviate the strain on roads and enhance efficiency.
Lee emphasised that this effort is aimed at reducing dependency on roads for heavy cargo transportation.
“If more heavy cargo can be transported via rivers, there will be less damage done to our roads.
“Additionally, it will also reduce traffic congestion and decrease the incidence of road accidents,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Lee’s remarks followed a courtesy visit from the newly appointed SRB chairman Safiee Ahmad at the Ministry’s office in Baitulmakmur Building on Wednesday (March 13).
Joined by SRB controller Lieutenant Colonel Ding Tiew Wong, the visit sought guidance on the current and future plans as well as directions for SRB.
During the meeting, Lee underscored the Ministry’s vision to modernise Sarawak’s navigable commercial river system as part of the broader transport and logistics network.
He further urged Safiee to collaborate with SRB Management to enhance its organisational structure for a more efficient and effective discharge of duties, responsibilities and service delivery.
Safiee appointment came into effect on Jan 1, 2024.
Deputy Minister (Riverine and Marine) Dato Henry Harry Jinep, and permanent secretary to the Ministry Dato Alice Jawan Empaling were present. — DayakDaily
