KUCHING: The state Ministry of Transport hopes to complete a comprehensive data and statistics on all forms of transportation soon to come up with a master plan to inculcate in all strata of society, safety measures on land, air and river transport.

This was revealed to The Borneo Post by Assistant Minister of Transportation Datuk Dr Jerip Susil yesterday.

“We are now gathering useful and comprehensive data and statistics from all relevant bodies on transportation in the state especially on land and river transport so we can come up with a comprehensive safety master plan which we will implement soon,” Dr Jerip said yesterday.

He added that his ministry would work closely with the relevant bodies such as the Road Transport Department (JPJ), Road Transport Safety Department (JKJR) and the police on road transport safety measures, while it would cooperate with Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB), Marine Police and Public Works Department (JKR) on river transport.

“The whole idea is to inculcate safety measures in all strata of society. This is very important for us as we move forward and progress, we must be able to gauge our benchmark on safety measures to improve on any weakness we are facing,” he stressed.

On river transport, he pointed out that there was room for improvement as vessel operators and passengers seem not to give much care to safety.

“In this regard, our High Performance Team comprising SRB, Marine Police and JKR will continue to educate vessel operators to ensure their vessels are always safe and worthy-bound for their passengers.

“For instance, safety railing on express boats must be installed for the safety of the passengers while embarking and disembarking. And life jackets must also be distributed to the passengers and be worn at all times while on board.

“Creating a sense of safety and conscientiousness on all safety aspects will continue to be our top priority,” he reiterated.

On land transport, Dr Jerip said JKJR had been doing its part well by continuously giving road safety campaigns and even providing free helmets and brochures to motorcyclists, especially for their children.

“Safety is vital for everyone on the road. And if everyone observes the rules and regulations, then we can minimise road accidents,” he pointed out.

Dr Jerip, who is also Mambong assemblyman, revealed that Jalan Puncak Borneo, which is in his constituency, and Kuching-Serian Road are two of the state’s most accident-prone areas.

“So there is an urgent need for us to create greater awareness for motorists and other road users so they don’t drink and drive as drink-driving has been identified as a contributing factor to most fatal accidents,” he said.