| Azlan Othman |
TEMBURONG folks are waiting too long to travel by boat between the city and Bangar at the Jalan Subok terminal, says YB Awang Haji Sulaiman bin Haji Ahad.
The Legislative Council member said this was a long-standing issue faced by members of the public, including government officials working in the district.
“This also affects hospital patients being brought from Temburong to Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital,” he added.
Minister of Communications, YB Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, in his reply admitted that a reliable communication system was needed.
“However, for boat operators, it is about profits and losses. They do not see the issue in a wider perspective.
“There are five operators in the country. There are 19 boats available with two for special lease.
YB Awang Haji Sulaiman bin Haji Ahad during the Legislative Council session. – BAHYIAH BAKIR
“The operation time is from 6.30am to 5pm only. The waiting time is 45 minutes but the service is still not regular.
“We hope to discuss role of the Marine Department in ensuring that every operator adheres to the timetable.
“The Marine Department has advised government officers to hire special boats to go to Temburong. To ferry passengers to RIPAS Hospital from Temburong, the government officials could hire a special boat to replace the ambulance boat,” said the minister.
YB Awang Haji Sulaiman also asked for traffic lights to be installed in Pekan Bangar.
The minister said the move was already in the pipeline.
YB Awang Haji Sulaiman also asked on the establishment of bus terminal in Pekan Bangar and the status of its development.
The minister said a plot had been gazette for a bus terminal in Pekan Bangar.
“It will also be used as commercial and tourist centre, as well as for inter-district and inter-state services,” added the minister.
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