Some 14,800 passengers were recorded travelling by express boats plying the Rajang River yesterday alone.

State police commissioner Muhammad Sabtu Osman said they were those returning to their longhouses and homes in various places in the Kapit, Sibu, Sarikei and Mukah Divisions for the annual Gawai Dayak Festival on June 1, and other holidaymakers.

“The figure does not include the many more who use their own longboats or speedboats,” he said at a news conference in Sibu today.

He was in town to launch the ‘Op Gawai’, an awareness campaign stressing on the people’s safety when travelling by river, sea and road in conjunction with the festival.

The integrated 11-day campaign is jointly organised by the Sarawak Rivers Board, Marine Police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, and Marine Department covering the state’s central region (Sibu, Kapit, Sarikei and Mukah Divisions).

Since the launching of the operation on May 24, Muhammad Sabtu said there had been fortunately no major accidents both in the rivers or on roads.

He nonetheless appealed to all drivers and express boat skippers to continue to be alert and to strictly observe the law.

“Express boat operators must ensure they do not carry excess passengers. There will be strict monitoring along the rivers and at all terminals.

“Those driving home must ensure their vehicles are in top condition and  they must be patient if there is heavy traffic on the road,” he said.

He also called on those leaving their homes for the celebration to inform the police.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Sabtu announced the appointement of DSP Peter Umbuas, previously in charge of Kota Kinabalu Traffic and Public Security, as the new Kapit police chief.

- Bernama