Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, the Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development, has advocated for the creation of a dedicated authority to oversee and enforce safety regulations for students in Sarawak who use boats to cross rivers to get to school. This proposed authority would ensure that students adhere to safety measures, such as wearing life jackets.
Fatimah's call for increased safety comes in response to the tragic boat accident on August 20 at Sungai Batang Kayan, which resulted in the deaths of three students. She emphasized the need for such an authority, similar to those employed in schools to ensure road safety for land-based students.
She voiced concerns about the lack of enforcement of existing safety regulations, particularly those intended to protect students and other boat passengers. To address this, she suggested that village committees and Parents-Teachers Associations should discuss and facilitate the appointment of this authority.
Fatimah underscored that while river crossings might seem routine, they can be hazardous due to factors like swift underwater currents and the presence of crocodiles. She urged parents to ensure their children always wear life jackets provided by the Ministry of Education (MoE), stressing that safety must remain a priority despite the familiarity with the river.
Following the accident, Fatimah, alongside Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang and Petronas Sarawak Senior Manager Norazibah Md Rabu, delivered aid from the Sarawak government and Petronas to the affected families at Dewan Aseng Kampung Bitokan 2.
Additionally, the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) has begun interviewing survivors of the boat tragedy to assess their needs and offer support, including counseling and school supplies. Fatimah assured that support would continue to help survivors emotionally and psychologically as they return to their daily lives.
The tragic event involved three students from SMK Senibong in Kampung Selampit, who drowned when their boat capsized while crossing Sungai Batang Kayan. Their bodies were recovered following an extensive search and rescue operation.
