Click Here To View Album KUCHING, 29th July 2025 – SPX Aids to Navigation Pty. Ltd. (Sealite) visited the Sarawak Rivers Board at Headquarters as part of a courtesy visit and engagement session to present the latest technology in Aids to Navigation (AtoN) and to gain insight into issues related to navigational safety on rivers in Sarawak. The session was chaired by Lt. Col. Ding Tiew Wong (Retired), the Controller of the Sarawak Rivers Board, and attended by Senior Officers and Technical Staff from Riverine Safety Section, Technical Services Section, Barrage and Shiplock Section and Kuching Regional Office. SPX Aids to Navigation Pty. Ltd. (Sealite) was represented by Mr. Michael Walker (Managing Director), Mr. Lawrence Pok (Business Development Manager) along with Mr. Allan Goh and Mr. Desmond Pui from SARA-CHEM. A presentation of an overview on the functions and duties of the Sarawak Rivers Board was delivered by the Controller of the Sarawak Rivers Board. Key topics included the Board’s core responsibilities in riverine traffic safety and river cleanliness, relevant legislation and legal provisions, the management of Aids to Navigation (AtoN) within its jurisdiction, and the regulation of riverine activities. The session also emphasised the importance of collaboration with relevant stakeholders and inter-agency coordination to ensure effective monitoring, maintenance, and repair of AtoN, as well as timely response in the event of malfunctions. A subsequent presentation was delivered by Mr. Michael Walker, Managing Director of SPX Aids to Navigation Pty. Ltd. Topics included the latest technology in Aids to Navigation (AtoN) and the global recognition of AtoN products (i.e., SEALITE, SABIK, and CARMANAH) which are in accordance with the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) standard. These AtoN are well regarded in Asia for their ease of operation, low maintenance requirements, and the availability of spare parts through authorised vendors or suppliers across Southeast Asia (e.g., Singapore). The discussion also addressed the proposed development of guidelines for inland waterways, particularly in determining navigable channels at narrow passages such as vessel approaches to bridges and construction zones for engineering works in rivers and the installation of special marks to demarcate work zones, ensuring adequate guidance for mariners and river users, especially on rivers in Sarawak. To conclude the session, the Controller of the Sarawak Rivers Board expressed appreciation to SPX Aids to Navigation Pty. Ltd. for the courtesy visit, which fostered good cooperation, and emphasised that the Board continues its efforts through stakeholder engagement to obtain technical expertise, thereby promoting effective knowledge transfer among its officers and technical personnel. The engagement session was adjourned at 12:30 p.m.

  Petaling Jaya, Selangor – Malaysia Maritime Week 2025 (MMW25), hosted by the Marine Department of Malaysia, concluded successfully on 18 July 2025 at the Sunway Resort Hotel. Held from 15–18 July, the event brought together key players from the maritime industry, government bodies, and academic institutions in a unified effort to advance Malaysia’s maritime sector.   The event was officially officiated by YB Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport Malaysia, during a grand opening ceremony. MMW25 featured a comprehensive lineup, including an exhibition and a four-day conference focusing on critical issues shaping the future of the maritime industry. Topics covered included green shipping, maritime safety, digitalization, shipbuilding, seafarer welfare, and inland waterway development.   MMW25 aimed to foster dialogue, promote innovation, and support the transformation of Malaysia’s maritime sector in line with international standards and best practices. The event served as a dynamic platform to showcase the country’s commitment to sustainable maritime development and regional cooperation.   A notable delegation from the Sarawak Rivers Board, led by Lt. Col. Ding Tiew Wong (Bersara), Controller, participated in the event alongside senior officers. Their involvement reflects Sarawak’s continued engagement in national maritime discourse and its dedication to enhancing riverine transport and safety in the region.   Malaysia Maritime Week 2025 reaffirmed the nation’s position as a proactive maritime nation, ready to embrace innovation and sustainability in an evolving global landscape.  

Please Click Here To View Album BRIEFING ON MARINE TRAFFIC AND RISK ANALYSIS (MTRA) STUDY AND REQUIREMENT GUIDELINES TO JKR SARAWAK KUCHING, 15th July 2025 – JKR Sarawak organised a stakeholder engagement session at the JKR Research Centre, Kuching.  The Sarawak Rivers Board was invited to deliver a briefing on the Marine Traffic and Risk Analysis (MTRA) Study and Requirement Guidelines. The briefing highlighted that the MTRA Study plays a crucial role in assessing navigational risks and the environmental impact of engineering works/projects carried out in the rivers. It provides valuable guidance for risk management, allowing authorities to implement necessary mitigation measures to assess the potential impact of engineering works/projects on the safety of riverine traffic, determine appropriate actions to mitigate navigational risks and environmental damage and improve traffic safety on the river. A subsequent presentation was delivered by Spartan Maritime (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd., sharing their expertise and experiences in conducting MTRA studies, and explaining methodologies such as data collection, riverine and marine traffic surveys, traffic pattern analysis, meteorological assessments, and navigational simulations. A total of 65 participants attended the briefing session, consisting mostly of senior engineers and officers from JKR Headquarters, Regional Offices, and Divisional Offices throughout Sarawak. The briefing sessions successfully cultivated and enhanced understanding of the MTRA study and its critical role in ensuring safe and sustainable navigation. The session also served as a platform to stimulate discussions, gather feedback, and promote inter-agency coordination to strengthen riverine safety in rivers in Sarawak. The briefing session concluded at 12.00 noon.  

The inspection of the R.C. Wharf Sadong Jaya which was reported to have been hit by a landing craft carrying sand/gravel on 13 July 2025 at 4.30 a.m. (Sunday) was carried out on 14 July 2025 at 10.45 a.m. by the Sarawak Rivers Board, together with YB Datuk Ir. Aidel Lariwoo (ADUN N.24 Sadong Jaya) and representatives from relevant departments and agencies such as JKR Sarawak, DID Sarawak, Sarawak Region Marine Department, LKIM Sarawak, PDRM Asajaya, and Persatuan Nelayan Kawasan (PNK) Asajaya. The site inspection was carried out at the location of the incident. The impact of the incident caused damage to the wharf structure, rendering it unsafe for loading and unloading operations. The visit was followed by a discussion session held at Pusat Khidmat ADUN N.24 Sadong Jaya, chaired by YB Datuk Ir. Aidel Lariwoo. The outcomes of the discussion are as follows: The Sarawak Rivers Board requested JKR Sarawak to assess the damage resulting from the incident and to submit the estimated cost for the proposed construction of a new wharf, including the demolition cost of the existing wharf due to safety concerns. The Sarawak Rivers Board issued a Riverine Notice to inform the shipping community, vessel masters, fishing vessels, and river users of the temporary closure of R.C Wharf Sadong Jaya effective from 14 July 2025. PNK Asajaya also requested that SRB continuously monitor the site and install a marine lantern to prevent vessels and boats from approaching the wharf area. The Sarawak Rivers Board conducts an investigation and takes statements from the vessel master, crew members, and witnesses of the incident, with further action to be taken against the party responsible for the damage caused to property gazetted by the Board. The site visit and discussion were adjourned at 12.00 noon.

Please Click Here To View Album Pada 13 Julai 2025, seramai 21 pegawai Lembaga Sungai-Sungai Sarawak (LSS) telah dijemput Kementerian Pengangkutan Sarawak (MOTS) menghadiri upacara menaikkan bendera Sarawak iaitu Ibu Pertiwi di Dataran ibu Pertiwi bersebelahan dengan Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak(DUN)  anjuran Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara (DBKU), sebagai salah satu usaha menyemarakkan semangat patriotisme dalam kalangan warga perkhidmatan awam. Majlis dirasmikan oleh Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin Menteri Pengangkutan Sarawak dan ketibaan YB Menteri telah disambut oleh Yang Berbahagia Dato Haji Hilmy bin Haji Othman, Datuk Bandar Kuching Utara, Encik Ramzi bin Abdillah, Pengarah Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara, turut hadir dalam majlis ini ialah Yang Berbahagia Datu Wong Hee Sieng, Setiausaha Kementerian Pengangkutan Sarawak, Lt.Kol. Ding Tiew Wong (bersara), Controller Lembaga Sungai-Sungai Saraawak, Encik Bianus bin Muyou, Pengarah Jabatan Laut Wilayah Sarawak dan tetamu jemputan DBKU.

An engagement session between the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) and the Land and Survey Department Sarawak was held on 9th July 2025 at the department’s Enforcement Division Headquarters. The session aimed to discuss the latest progress on the permit application for gravel removal works at the Kuala Kemena Entrance Channel in Bintulu, with a focus on expediting approvals and strengthening inter-agency collaboration.