Ministry of Communications

Friday, 05 March 2010 14:05

By Azrol Azmi

Friday, March 5, 2010

Multitech Sdn Bhd's Managing Director Mr Gwee Peng Hong, Acting Director of Ports, Haji Awang Bujang bin Haji Tinkong sign the documents as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications, Haji Alaihuddin looks on.

Acting Director of Ports, Haji Awang Bujang bin Haji Tinkong and Mr Gwee Peng Hong exchanging the signed document as the the Perm Sec at the Ministry of Communications, Haji Alaihuddin looks on. - PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

The Ports Department yesterday marked another milestone by signing for a new B$7.2-mil tugboat to join its fleet by mid 2011, for better berthing when vessels call at Muara Port.

Yesterday, the Ports Department representing His Majesty's Government, put pen to paper on a contract agreement for "The Design, Construction, Commissioning and Delivery of a Twin Screw Multipurpose 50 Ton Bollard Pull Tug" which is to be delivered and in service by June 2011.

The task of designing, constructing, commissioning and delivering the tugboat was awarded to Multitech Sdn Bhd with costs amounting to B$7.2 million. The 33-metre tugboat will be equipped with two 2,260 HP diesel caterpillar engine with a capacity of 50 Ton Bollard Pull.

Agreement signing between LTD and Syarikat Megamas Training Co Sdn Bhd. - AZLAN OTHMAN

Amid the rise in number of road traffic accidents last year and no decline in serious and minor injury figures over the last three years, the Minister of Communications yesterday underlined the importance of training the drivers, besides providing infrastructure, road signs and organising road safety campaigns.

Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Hj Awg Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong said the Land Transport Department not only stresses on the need for vehicles to abide by the safety criteria but also the drivers should meet certain criteria on safety.

He said this at the official launching of the driving test and training complex in Kg Sg Akar yesterday.

"We have observed a rise in road accidents where last year, 3,110 cases and 38 deaths were recorded compared to 2,775 cases and 29 deaths in 2008. Serious and minor injuries too have not shown decline in the past three years. Besides the alarming figures, one should also take into account the loss of family life, dependence and loss of property. Hence, it is crucial to enhance awareness on road safety."