Kuching, 7th October 2025 – The Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) conducted an engagement session with the Land and Survey Department Sarawak, Sarawak Region Marine Department, and Magna Focus Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA), to coordinate compliance related to safety in sand and gravel extraction activities on rivers in Sarawak.

Chaired by the Controller of the Sarawak Rivers Board, the session highlighted key matters pertaining to vessel registration compliance, safety of navigation, riverine traffic management, and environmental protection measures to ensure that extraction activities are carried out safely and in accordance with the laws and regulations set by the relevant agencies.

Discussions focused on enhancing safety compliance and ensuring continuous coordination through inter-agency cooperation involving the Land and Survey Department Sarawak, Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), Sarawak Region Marine Department, Marine Police, and Royal Malaysian Customs to strengthen compliance monitoring and improve enforcement effectiveness. The session also discussed the requirement for a Marine Traffic and Risk Analysis (MTRA) study to assess navigational risks, vessel traffic patterns, and hazards for all extraction activities. The recommended mitigation measures from the MTRA study will guide agencies in monitoring safety compliance and assist contract holders in implementing necessary corrective actions.

In his closing remarks, the Controller of the Sarawak Rivers Board emphasised the importance of joint efforts and shared responsibility between SRB, relevant agencies, and contract holders to ensure that all sand and gravel extraction activities are conducted safely, responsibly, and in full compliance with the law. He also reiterated the need for continuous monitoring and proactive engagement among all parties to safeguard navigation safety and the sustainability of riverine resources.

The engagement session was adjourned at 4.40 p.m.