Published on: Sunday, November 29, 2009 |
AN investigation will be carried out on why one of the ferries serving the Kudat-Pulau Banggi route was not operating on the day of the tragedy, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said, Saturday.
He said the ferry service is important to the people commuting between the town and the island.
"We also want to know why they did not increase the ferry service because I was told there were only two ferries at that time, including the one that was not operating.
"We are not trying to pinpoint fault...but ferry to Pulau Banggi is an important means of transportation to the people. We want those who are involved or responsible for the transportation to monitor their ferry," he told reporters when met at the District Police Headquarters.
Earlier Rahim, who is also Kudat MP, received a briefing on the incident by District Police Chief, DSP Dawi Ossen, and met former Berjaya-era Banggi Assemblyman, Yahya Othman, 61, who was one of the survivors.
On the aspect of safety, he urged the relevant departments to examine boat problems that need to be improved in order to prevent similar incident recurring.
"There is a greater risk when the currents meet. If there is a change in weather, the situation at sea can be very dangerous, especially for small boats like 'bot kampung'.
"The boat owners should enhance the safety aspect of their vessels and plan their journey before going to sea," he said.
Rahim thanked the rescue teams.
"We never expected such tragedy especially during Aidiladha. Most of the passengers were heading to Pulau Banggi to celebrate the Hari Raya Aidiladha."
