A file photo shows passengers disembarking at Sibu Express Boat Terminal.

SIBU: Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) will deploy three enforcement patrol boats for Christmas operations from Dec 22 to 24 to ensure the safety of commuters.

SRB Sibu assistant controller (Region II) Hatta Morshidi said yesterday the board will mount river blocks at strategic locations to prevent overloading of express boats. The other aspect of the operation will involve static operations at Sibu Express Boat Terminal, he added.

“Commuters are cooperative in providing their particulars for the passenger manifest,” Hatta said. SRB also conducts stringent checks on passenger boats, including pre-departure inspection. Boats which did not comply with safety requirement would not be issued with departure pass or allowed to leave the terminal.

‘No Ticket, No Entry’ rule is stringently enforced and passengers are urged to adhere to safety measures.

He pointed out that Christmas operations is an integrated operation with other enforcement agencies to ensure that express and speed boats comply with safety requirements and possess valid River Transport Permit (RTP). Meanwhile, a surge in passenger volume is expected in the run-up to Christmas as people go home to the upper reaches of Rajang River to celebrate with family.