SRB records 389,454 river passengers in first eight months of 2026

THE Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) recorded 52,365 passenger boat arrivals and departures from Jan to Aug 2026, with 389,454 passengers using its facilities during the period.

The board also recorded 2,066 cargo vessel movements, handled 182,673 tonnes of cargo and registered 15,117 anchorage uses.

The figures were provided in the winding-up speech by the Minister for Transport Sarawak during the current Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting.

From 2022 to 2025, SRB recorded 293,319 passenger boat arrivals and departures, while 3,482,920 passengers used its facilities.

During the same period, SRB’s wharves served 11,408 cargo vessels and handled 1,230,203 tonnes of cargo, while anchorage areas recorded 93,175 cargo vessel visits.

On river transport permits, SRB received 6,460 applications from 2022 to 2026, comprising 526 new applications and 5,934 renewals.

The permit allows boat operators to charge for transporting passengers and goods on gazetted rivers. It also helps ensure boats have the required licences, safety equipment and insurance.

Meanwhile, the Marine Department Malaysia Sarawak Region conducted 157 enforcement operations and issued 214 compounds from 2022 to 2025, while SRB issued 327 compounds.

From Jan to Sept 2026, the Marine Department issued 39 compounds, while SRB issued 107 compounds from Jan to Aug.

The enforcement activities included patrols, vessel inspections and joint operations with other agencies to ensure compliance with maritime and riverine transport requirements.

Separately, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced RM150 million in federal funding on March 13, 2026, for urgent remedial works at the Sungai Sarawak Barrage to address erosion and protect its flood-mitigation function. The project will be implemented by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia.