My boss gave me a mini project regarding this matter. We have to come up with the measures to be taken on this incident. Note that the measures have to be somewhat inexpensive and the funds is limited. Readers, please pretty please help me solve this matter. Do leave your comments, recommendations and suggestions.
Belaga is located in Sarawak. The main transport used in the area is by water; which means, the only modes of transportation used is by using the express boats. The were not many problem arose from it during workdays but not when it comes to festive seasons. During the festive seasons, such as Hari Gawai , this express boats was fully loaded with people that are eager to go back to their hometown.
On May 28th 2013, during Hari Gawai holiday, an express boat named "Kawan Mas" has been capsized somewhere near Belaga. If i'm not mistaken, the place of the incident is Giam Bungan. Why does this happened? There were several factors that may lead to the incident. First, the vessel is overloaded, such that it's maximum carrying quota is not more than 75 person yet it carries 205 person at that particular time. Second, the weather is bad at that time, the current was flowing very rapidly and it was raining making it harder to operate the vessel. Lastly, because of the condition, the engine malfunction causing the vessel hits a log and capsized.
The problem is, when it comes to Gawai festive season, the local people there is so very eager to go back home. The boat operators may have to be the person to blame but they also may have some problems on applying the safety laws of river transport at that time because usually, the passengers will scold the skipper if they can't get onboard. To satisfy the passengers need, the skipper have no choice but to take them on board.
The boat's design is somewhat unsafe too. They only have one door for entry and exit. Which in case of emergencies, people would squeeze there to save their lives. Tell me how can 75 person get out in a jiffy by using only the entrance and the exit? In my opinion, the operators have to emphasize more on the safety design of the boat. They should have the emergency exit and properly maintain their boat regularly.
In this case, the authority can't do anything to enforce the law. The people doesn't care much about their safety despite the fact there are so many risk on boarding the express boat. They don't care if they have to sit or stand on the roof as long as they can go home. The authority have no choice beside than to just let them be and if any incident happens, they will be prepared to send a rescue squad.
From what I know, on normal weather, kids were free to play and swim at the river. But we certainly can't win against nature. The condition worsen during rainy season.
I have a Sarawakian friend, when I ask them about this matter, they also agreed that the express boat is the only modes of transportation there. It is hard to move about because of the condition.
It's a real pity for those that is coping with it everyday. Imagine, having to risk our life every single time we wanted to go out. I have never ride the express boat in Sarawak but then if 'i put myself in their shoe, I think I will be terrified to go out when it comes to rainy season.
So what can we do to help this problem?
okay so I came up with a few idea on the matter but there was alwas an argument for each idea. Here goes..
Proposal #1: The government should build a bridge linking the land area from one to another
Problem : I dont think it is possible because building a bridge requires so many funds. Where to get the money from? Sarawak covers an area larger than Pahang and it is really hard to build a bridge. Conclusion: This plan may not work for this instance.
Proposal #2: The government should build a road or some land based transport.
Problem : There were insufficient fund.
Conclusion : A long period of time is needed in order to collect the fund, it will take more than 3-5 years to make it happens, in the midst of this plan, the incident may happens again.
Proposal #3 : Increase the quantity the boat.
Problem : To increase the quantity of boat means to increase the number of staff. Would there any local people that wanted to work for their own Gawai festive season?? I really think not.
Proposal #4 : Boat operators should properly maintain their boats.
Problem : I think that there might be some probability that the incident happens because of the condition of the weather at that time that even if they are operating a well-maintained boat, the engine will overheats and malfunction again.
Proposal #5 : Change the design of the boat.
Problem : Changing the design of the boat requires the boats to be change. I mean like all of them have to be replaced. It require so much money. =.="
and I am on a state of idea drainage now. Can someone helpppp?
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