KUALA LUMPUR – The tragedy at the Triso ferry point in Saratok, Sarawak is the worst of its kind yet.
While rural folk there continue to wait for the government to build concrete bridges at major river crossings, motorists have to brave the river currents to board ferries.
The ferry has to come as close as possible to the dock for vehicles to drive up its ramp.
During high tide, this is especially dangerous as motorists have to brave strong currents to reach the ramp.
Police believe that yesterday’s tragedy happened when the driver seemingly lost control of the vehicle before it slipped into the river, killing all nine people inside.
The Borneo Post today quoted a relative of the victims as saying that the ill-fated vehicle was attempting to board the ferry as the vessel was departing the jetty.
The ferry had already left the ramp, and the vehicle driver tried to reverse, but failed as the currents dragged the car into the river.
The Sarawak Rivers Board and police have started their probe into the tragedy while civil society groups have slammed the government for “empty promises” as the proposed bridges are taking too long to be built, if at all.
Strong guard rails will be built at all ferry crossing points in Sarawak to prevent a recurrence of yesterday’s tragedy, said Deputy Chief Minister II Tan Sri James Jemut Masing today.
According to him, the state government has allocated about RM3 billion to build bridges across rivers that require ferries for crossing in its Second Trunk Road project, which aims to link all coastal areas in the state. – The Vibes, January 2, 2021
