BINTANGOR: The Sarawak Government continues to place priority on river safety and cleanliness to safeguard the interests of communities that rely on water transport, particularly boat operators, passengers and the locals.

Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said rivers have a crucial role not only as transportation routes, but also as lifelines that support economic activities and the daily lives of communities, especially in coastal and rural areas.

In this regard, he underscored the importance of awareness campaigns on safety practices and shared responsibility to ensure the cleanliness and safety of rivers.

“Through such campaigns, we aim to raise public awareness on the importance of river safety practices, compliance with navigation regulations and shared responsibility in ensuring that our rivers remain clean, safe and well preserved.

“The cooperation of all parties is crucial in preventing accidents, protecting river infrastructure and conserving the environment for future generations,” he said.

He said this at the River Safety and Cleanliness Campaign and the Handover Ceremony of the Replacement of Existing Pontoons and Other Associated Works Project at R.C. Pontoon Wharf, Main Bazaar, here on Tuesday.

Dato Sri Lee added that the upgrading of the R.C. Pontoon Wharf at Main Bazaar not only complements the safety campaign, but also provides a safer, more comfortable and more accessible experience for boat operators, passengers and the local community.

According to him, the RM3,040,357 project was implemented by the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS), commencing on 6 November 2024 and completed on 19 December 2025.

Dato Sri Lee also expressed his appreciation to SRB, the project team and the contractor for their commitment and cooperation in ensuring the project was implemented smoothly and completed on schedule.

“With the completion of this project and the implementation of the River Safety and Cleanliness Campaign, we reaffirm Sarawak’s commitment to safer, cleaner rivers with better infrastructure.

“This also ensures that the river transportation system continues to function safely, sustainably and benefit the people in the long term,” he said.

Among the dignitaries present at the event were Deputy Minister for Transport Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, Meradong Assemblyman Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing, SRB Chairman and Daro Assemblyman Dr Safiee Ahmad, MOTS Permanent Secretary Datu Wong Hee Sieng and SRB Controller Lt. Col. (R) Ding Tiew Wong. -UKASnews