| Azlan Othman |
LIFEJACKETS are being sold to water taxi operators at cheaper prices as part of a Brunei Maritime and Ports Authority campaign to ensure better safety in Brunei waters amid the adverse weather conditions.
Taxi operator, Mohd Zakaria bin Mustapha from Kampong Bakut Siraja Muda in Kampong Ayer, who bought six lifejackets from Aewon Garment, told the Bulletin that the lifejackets are for the use of his passengers.
Mohd Zakaria, who has been a water taxi operator since 2002 – earning around $20-$30 per day, said he is aware of the regulations enforced by the authorities.
He noted however that the water taxi business is not as good today as compared to the old days following the migration of Kampong Ayer residents to inland areas over the past few decades.
The recent lifejacket price of $8 (as of December 28, 2017) is considered cheap compared to the usual price of around $12.
“Usually I will not be able to get lifejackets at this price in the market, and it is worth buying them now instead of leasing them from other owners, especially for those who own boats,” said Mohd Zakaria.
“But I need to allocate a storage space inside my water taxi to accommodate these new lifejackets, as their condition will deteriorate if left exposed under the sun. If the lifejackets are wet for a prolonged period, they will emanatea bad smell and passengers will not like to wear them.”
The reduced-price lifejackets means that water taxi operators now have no good reason not to equip their boats with the lifesaving gear.
Regular water users have lauded the Brunei Maritime and Ports Authority campaign, which was initiated last Thursday to encourage more widespread usage of lifejackets and increase water safety.
Still, continuous monitoring of water taxi operators needs to be done, especially considering that the operators have taken the lifejacket issue for granted in the past.
Other water taxi violations have occurred previously as well, such as operators inappropriately using high-powered engines for small-sized water taxis.
“Water taxi operators and passengers must use lifejackets; doing so could save their lives in the event of an emergency,” said Haji Yussof bin Haji Metussin, Marine Engineering Officer who is also the Head of the Brunei Maritime and Port Authority.
Commenting on water taxi operators with expired licences, he said, “The Authority will place a temporary area to facilitate water taxi operators residing in Kampong Ayer to register and renew their licences. The Authority will also conduct the Class 9 course for water taxi operators during the day and night.
“The measurement of boat size, capacity allowed and engine horsepower will also be made. It is against the law to modify boat engines and the Authority will not hesitate to take action against water taxi operators who modify their boat engines.”
The Authority has stated that it will continue to monitor water taxi operators operating in Brunei waters and reminded them to ride with extra care especially when passing through areas with low visibility and areas where there is construction being carried out, particularly during the uncertain weather conditions.
Meanwhile Lau, Director of Aewon Garment & Embroidery, said his company sold lifejackets at a discounted price of $8 at the Yayasan passenger jetty in conjunction with the Brunei Maritime and Ports Authority’s safety campaign as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives.
For increased visibility, free brightly-coloured shirts are also provided for water taxi operators who purchase the lifejackets.
“If the Authority wants us to extend the promotion, we will support their campaign in the other districts,” Lau added.
“Last Thursday we also sponsored 50 lifejackets. During the recent Golden Jubilee Celebration for His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, we also sponsored 100 lifejackets for water taxi operators.”
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