KUCHING: Sarawak Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin has ordered the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) to move quickly to deepen the river channel and clear obstructions near the Sungai Apong Fishery Wharf, after local fishermen raised concerns over worsening berthing conditions.

Dato Sri Lee gave the directive on Wednesday after leading officers from the Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) and SRB on a site visit to inspect conditions at the wharf firsthand.

"We came here today to see the situation for ourselves and to hear directly from the fishermen about the problems they are facing. Having seen the conditions on the ground, I have asked SRB to take the necessary action as soon as possible," he said.

During the visit, he met representatives of Persatuan Kotak Tangkap Ikan Sungai Apong, who outlined the difficulties faced by the local fishing community and pressed for improvements to the river channel and wharf access.

The association had formally applied to SRB on 5 August 2026 for the river channel to be deepened and trees near the wharf cleared.

Following the inspection, Dato Sri Lee directed SRB to expedite excavation works to remove sedimentation and to clear an existing vessel wreck obstructing the channel, both key steps to restoring safe access and adequate berthing space for fishing vessels.

He said infrastructure serving the fishing community must be designed around the operational needs of its users, noting that reliable wharf access and sufficient water depth directly affect fishermen's daily operations and livelihoods.

Also present during the site visit were Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak Kho Teck Wan, SUPP Public Complaints Bureau Chief Milton Foo, SRB Controller Lt. Col. (Rtd) Ding Tiew Wong, and MOTS Head of Riverine and Maritime Transport Division Constantine Gerald David Jonas and other officials from MOTS and SRB. -UKASnews