KUCHING, 5 February 2025 – An engagement session on the "Marine Traffic and Risk Analysis (MTRA) for The Proposed Development of Marina and Reclamation Works at Damai Peninsular" was held at 10.30 a.m. at the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) Headquarters.
 
The session was chaired by Asst. Controller (Riverine Safety), Mr. Leo Nanang representing Controller of Sarawak Rivers Board, and attended by senior officers including Mr. Nichol Agoi, Mr. Leonard Luhat Laing, Puan Norida Sipek, Puan Phlomina Chura Ak. John, Cik Sarah Laong, and Mr. Hazizan Bin Sapiee. Also present were representatives from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Dr. Ahmad Syafiq Ahmad Nasir, and Dr. Mohd Farid Atan from the Faculty of Resource Science and Technology.
 
UNIMAS was awarded the Consultation Project from Spartan Maritime (M) Sdn. Bhd., and the scope adopts a structured stakeholder engagement framework to ensure a holistic understanding of waterway usage, navigation safety, and socio-economic impacts by systematically identifying and categorising stakeholders, including government agencies such as Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) and Fisheries Department, marine tourism operators, and other waterway users including riverine activities. Engagement includes interviews, structured surveys, personalised communication, and structured group reviews via Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) centered on navigation safety, environmental sustainability, conflict resolution, and socio-economic benefits which aligning stakeholder concerns with sustainable waterway management and development strategies.
 
Discussions covered project scope, methods of survey, safety, cleanliness and regulatory requirements, where UNIMAS seeks relevant information from the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) on riverine traffic, a list of AtoNs provided or installed, navigational hazards such as wrecks, safety regulations, existing wharves, and jetties, as well as data on river depth, sedimentation trends, accident records, and vessel movement (if any). This information supports sustainable waterway management, ensuring safe navigation and balanced development. To obtain valuable input for the success of the project master plan, UNIMAS has informed that stakeholders, including SRB are invited to participate in the Hazard Identification (HAZID) Workshop on 11th February 2025 and the Simulation session on options for vessel berthing / berthing which will be held at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) from 13th until 15th February 2025. Both sessions will be conducted by Spartan Maritime (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd.
 
As a result of the session, a representative from UNIMAS has gained a clear understanding of the procedures and mandatory requirements set by SRB and also expressed appreciation for the engagement session and emphasised the importance of maintaining close cooperation between the Sarawak State agencies and the institution. The session was adjourned at 11.30 a.m.