KUCHING, 26 March 2025 – An engagement session on the "Marine Traffic and Risk Analysis (MTRA) for “The Development Project in Sungai Sarawak, Batang Lupar, Sungai Krian, Sungai Nyelong and Batang Igan, Sarawak” with ESI Konsultan Sdn. Bhd. was held at 9.00 a.m. at the Meeting Room, Level 3, Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) Headquarters.
 
Discussions covered the MTRA study implementation, proposed safety measures, risk mitigation measures, vessel design which include forecasting for 5 years and above, and the types of suitable Aids to Navigation (AtoN), including physical and visual/virtual markings.
 
The Terms of References (TOR) were discussed and shall be submitted to SRB for review and approval to incorporate the requirements set by the Board, including the responsibility of the MTRA Consultant for continuous monitoring throughout the project implementation until completion for operational purposes. The MTRA Consultant is also responsible for submitting the compliance monitoring report to SRB on a monthly basis, simultaneously SRB conducts inspections to ensure compliance and adherence to the proposed risk mitigation measures and other related matters recommended in the MTRA report.
 
Further discussions addressed the validity period of the MTRA report (i.e., 2 years from the date of approval by SRB) and regulatory compliance with Regulation 61D of the Sarawak Rivers (Traffic) Regulations, 1993, requiring a site inspection to assess the impact of the project on safety and cleanliness. Additionally, the requirement for a Wharf Authorisation Certificate (WAC) under Regulations 29, 30, and 31 was highlighted, particularly for projects involving the construction of jetties, wharves, terminals, pontoons, and other landing facilities associated with vessel berthing or mooring. The WAC is only issued upon obtaining a Wharf License from the Sarawak Land and Survey Department.
 
As a result of the discussion, a representative from ESI Konsultan Sdn. Bhd. 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 and the industry. The session was adjourned at 11.00 a.m.
 
The session was chaired by Mr. Leo Nanang, Asst. Controller (Riverine Safety) representing the Controller of the Sarawak Rivers Board, and attended by Puan Phlomina Chura Ak. John (Marine Officer) and Cik Sarah Laong (Civil Engineer). ESI Konsultan Sdn. Bhd. was represented by Mr. Muhammad Syafiq Izwan Bin Kamarudin, who is also part of the consultancy team conducting assessments on bathymetric, hydrographic, and hydraulic surveys, as well as marine traffic analysis.