Commuters returning to their longhouses for the Gawai Dayak celebration are advised to get their tickets first before boarding any express boats.

Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) chairperson Dr Murni Suhaili said this was to avoid overloading that could jeopardise the safety of express boat passengers.

“The board will be implementing ‘No Tickets No Entry’ policy strictly to prevent overloading,” he said during the launching of SRB’s ‘Operasi Gawai’ in Sibu today.

He said passengers were to produce their tickets and register their names to the officers on duty before being allowed to board the express boat.

They are also prohibited to load their bulky goods on the roof of the boat.

Murni said a total of 295 personnel from SRB, marine police, Marine Department, Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency, Rela and Civil Defence Department will be involved in the three-stage operation from May 27 to 31; June 5 to 7 and June 10 to 14.

“River patrols will be conducted at strategic locations along the major rivers in the state especially Sibu-Kapit-Belaga-Balleh route to ensure the express boats do not exceed the permitted passengers capacity.

“Boats operating plying the Kapit-Belaga route are advised to use the channel that is clearly marked with navigation signs to avoid them hitting river rocks and other submerged objects,” he said.

He also issued a stern reminder to the skippers of the express boats not to consume alcoholic beverages when operating their boats, while those using speedboats and longboats not registered with SRB were advised to wear life jackets at all time.    

Based on last year’s record, up to 6,000 people departed upriver from the Sibu passengers terminal and up to 4,000 people at the Kapit passengers terminal.

- Bernama