SIBU, 3 September 2026 – The Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB), in collaboration with Spartan Maritime (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd. (Spartan), held a Stakeholder Engagement Session for the Navigation Study and Design of Aids to Navigation (AtoN) and Surveillance System Installation at Batang Rajang at the Conference Room, Sarawak Rivers Board Region II, Sibu Office. The session aimed to obtain valuable technical input, feedback, recommendations and future requirements relevant to the study.

The session was chaired by the Controller of SRB and attended by a total of 28 participants comprising representatives from the Sarawak Region Marine Department, Rajang Port Authority (RPA), Tanjung Manis Port Authority (TMPA), Tanjung Manis Integrated Port Sdn. Bhd. (TMIP), LKIM Tanjung Manis, Natural Resources and Environment Board Sarawak (NREB), Department of Irrigation and Drainage Sarawak, Sibu Division, pilotage representatives and officers from SRB. Discussions focused on navigation routes, vessel traffic, navigation safety and operational challenges, covering existing and proposed AtoN, surveillance and communication systems.

Among the latest key matters highlighted was the uncharted Kanowit to Kapit route along Batang Rajang, covering approximately 96 kilometers, which requires further consideration for navigation safety, with a proposed hydrographic survey to assess its navigational conditions. The engagement also identified the need for guidelines on vessel operations during extreme haze conditions and recommendations on river sections where pilotage services may be required, particularly at critical navigational areas such as bridges, to further enhance navigation safety and vessel traffic management within the Study area.

The information gathered during the session will contribute towards the preparation of practical and comprehensive recommendations for enhancing navigation safety, improving vessel traffic management and supporting the sustainable development of riverine transportation within the Study area. 

SRB appreciates the cooperation and valuable technical input from all participating agencies towards the successful completion of this Study and the continuous enhancement of navigation safety within Sarawak’s inland waterways.

The engagement session adjourned at 12.30 p.m.