MIRI – Gross complacency in matters concerning riverfront safety and security is once again in the spotlight with the fatal Triso ferry terminal tragedy at the weekend.
Sarawak PKR information head Abun Sui told The Vibes that this falls squarely on the part of the authorities, as well as the public.
Abun, a lawyer and social activist with vast experience in rural Sarawak, said the blame cannot be placed solely on the driver of the ill-fated vehicle.
“Preliminary reports from the police and state authorities said the vehicle failed to stop at the jetty-head and then slipped and plunged into the river.
“However, the authorities cannot cite this as solely being the cause of the tragedy.
“Why were there no metal guard rails at the jetty that can stop vehicles from getting too close to the edge? Why were there no security personnel at the jetty area?
“The ferry operator, Sarawak Rivers Board, and the local councils should have security guards stationed at ferry points at all times to supervise and give directions to users.
“These security guards can intervene immediately in emergency situations if they are present. This lack of security and safety is apparent, not just in Triso, but at many riverfronts in rural Sarawak.”
The New Year’s day tragedy saw nine family members inside the four-wheel drive after the vehicle plunged into the river while attempting to board the ferry.
The deceased included an infant, three children, three teenagers and two adults.
They were on the way to Kuching from their hometown of Sibu.
The trapped victims drowned despite frantic efforts from members of the public and ferry workers to rescue them.
Abun, who is also Belaga PKR chief in central Sarawak, said in other states, such ferries have been retired and such crossings have been replaced with concrete bridges.
“In Sarawak, state government leaders talk about constructing such bridges all the time.
“This Triso ferry tragedy is a deadly reminder that talking and making promises are simply not good enough.”
Assistant state Infrastructure and Ports Development Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi had said in Kuching that a preliminary report from the police suggested that the Triso ferry tragedy was a “self-accident”.
He said a preliminary probe showed the vehicle plunged into the river after failing to stop at the jetty.
Abun today said the Triso ferry tragedy is not the first such fatal tragedy in Sarawak.
“There had been many such incidents before involving one or two deaths which have gone largely unnoticed.
“The Triso ferry tragedy got widespread attention due to the many deaths.
“The authorities must take every incident seriously. Don’t wait until there are more deaths.” – The Vibes, January 5, 2021
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