The ramps at Pulau Babi Wharf are partially submerged and the pontoons are underwater. – Photo by Peter Boon

SIBU (Sept 13): An allocation of RM1.5 million has been approved to carry out dredging works from the Sibu Passenger Terminal to the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) discharge station near Batang Lembangan here in 2026, said Dato Henry Harry Jinep.

The Deputy Transport Minister (Riverine and Marine) said the allocation, approved under the Programme 11: Navigation Safety and Aids, comes in response to safety concerns raised over heavy siltation along the river stretch, particularly at the Pulau Babi Wharf and Temple Street Wharf.

“As an immediate safety measure, the Pulau Babi Wharf has been temporarily closed for passenger boat operations since Aug 11. All passenger boats have since been redirected to operate to the Sibu Passenger Terminal until further notice,” Henry said when contacted by The Borneo Post yesterday.

He added that a Riverine Notice had also been issued to inform the public of the closure.

“The allocation of RM1.5 million for dredging works has been approved to address this siltation issue, which has compromised navigation safety. The works will be carried out in 2026,” he said.

During a brief observation by The Borneo Post at the wharf yesterday, the pontoons were seen underwater while the ramps (gangway) were partially submerged. The water level was also observed to be rising due to heavy downpours in the upper catchments of Kapit and Sibu.

Henry further disclosed that under the 13th Malaysia Plan (state-funded), proposals have also been put forward to complement DID’s flood management plan.

“For 2026, proposals include the disposal of all old pontoons (fixed units) at this facility, with the Board of Survey process currently in progress.

“In 2027, the plan is to construct one new pontoon and one new gangway, along with upgrading the waiting area,” he said.

For the record, prior to its closure, Pulau Babi Wharf served as the main berthing point for express boats plying the Sibu-Mupong and Sibu-Pasin routes.

The Sibu-Mupong service operates twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, while the Sibu-Pasin route runs daily.