SIBU, April 11 — The appointment of a Permanent Secretary to Sarawak Transport Ministry Datuk Alice Jawan Empaling as member of the Malaysia Aviation Commission (Mavcom) will help solve aviation issues in the state.

Its minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said by having a representative in Mavcom, all issues would be able to be raised and discussed in the commission’s meetings.

“Hopefully with this appointment Mavcom will understand our needs. All these years we did not have any representative in the commission and sometimes there were communication gaps between Mavcom and Sarawak,” he said.

Lee lauded the appointment and thanked Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook for accepting his suggestion for the appointment during their meeting early this year.

The Senadin state assemblyman was met by pressmen after visiting Sibu Express Boat Passengers Terminal here today where he distributed life jackets to three speedboat operators who ply the Sibu-Daro and Sibu-Dalat routes.

He was also briefed by Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) on projects to be implemented in the Central Zone for Sibu, Sarikei, Bintangor and Kapit areas.

Lee said rivers in Sarawak still play a major role in transportation of bulk cargo as it offers relatively cheaper and economical option apart from offering alternative means of connectivity for those living along upper Rajang, coastal areas as well as those residing areas that are not accessible by road.

Under the 12th Malaysia Plan the SRB would be implementing eight projects with a total ceiling cost of RM45,280,000 in the Central Region.

Four of the projects were under infrastructure project and another four projects were under the River Transport Safety.

“The project included the repair of damaged facilities and construction of additional facilities at passenger terminals in the Central Region,” he said.

On the number of flights for the coming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, Lee said his ministry had discussed and asked the airline companies to increase the number of flights during festivities and school holidays. — Bernama