Element of corruption in boat tragedy?

Investigations into the Belaga boat accident in Sarawak has taken a twist with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) trailing its tentacles on the main players in the tragedy — the boat operator and the authorities.

MACC investigations director Datuk Mustafa Ali said the Commission was considering if any element of corruption had led to the capsizing of the boat on May 28.

Initial investigations show the boat, which only has 76 seats, had over 200 people on board.

“We are looking into all elements, like overloading and the people-to-life jacket ration among others,” Mustafa told The Malay Mail.

He said while the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) continues with its investigations, the MACC will also look into any shortcomings of the authority which is supposed to regulate boat operators along the Rajang River.

It is believed that some SRB officials had not recorded passenger manifests which is a breach of regulation.

“We must look into compliance matters. Who was supposed to monitor? If the operator had flouted the law before action was taken; and what conditions were set to renew its licence,” Mustafa said.

SRB was reported as saying that the operator of the express boat, Kawan Mas, had not heeded advice not to overload or allow passengers to climb on the roof.

SRB had indicated a need to increase personnel and step up monitoring along the Rajang River — the main transportation channel in these parts of Sarawak.

So far, two bodies have been recovered and two more are still missing, feared drowned. Passengers were locals returning from weekend Gawai Dayak festivities.

The boat crashed into a rock and sank at the Jeram Tukok-Jeram Bungan confluence, about four hours from Sibu.

“We will let authorities like the SRB continue with their investigations, but once they are complete, we will intensify our own probe and sweep the entire process of issuing licences, compliance and monitoring,” said Mustafa

'Operator definitely liable'

He said as river travel was the main form of transport in the interiors of Sarawak, it was crucial to ensure there are no “short-cuts” or "pay-offs" that could compromise the safety of passengers.

“To have 200 people sitting in a boat meant for 76 indicates that someone was shirking his duties or looking the other way.

"The operator is definitely liable but that is for the others (authorities) to take action. We are looking purely at corruption,” he said, adding that this is one example where the MACC need not wait for someone to lodge a report before investigating probable instances of graft.

Calls for a probe is mounting following another boat accident in Kampung Skitong, along the Rajang river on Friday which resulted in the death of a baby boy.

On Oct 19, 2010, a similar accident in Ulu Tatau near Bintulu claimed 13 lives. The SRB had sung the same tune then that “no stone would be unturned” in its investigations.

However, apart from the charging of the boat driver, to date, there have been no updates on tightening regulation and safety measures on these boats.

- Malay Mail