Keel laying for 42m Double Ended Ferry for S. Sadong and KBA Permata Hidro Sea Trial Inauguration Ceremony …. 27 September 2005

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Alfred Jabu praised Brooke Dockyard and Engineering Works Corporation and its workforce for playing an active part in the development of the state.

“I wish to congratulate the workers of Brooke Dockyard for their dedication and commitment “ Jabu said at the Keel Laying for a 42m Double Ended Ferry for Sungai Sadong and KBA Permata Hidro Sea Trial inauguration ceremony at the corporation’s dockyard in Sejingkat.

“ I also want to thank the higher echelons of the corporation for being ready to transfer the technologies involved and giving guidance in such a complicated and high-tech project”.

The Deputy Chief Minister also hoped the good performance shown by the corporation would be maintained.

“Thank to the wise leadership of our Chief Minister, the dream to have our state linked by coastal roads will be realized and Brooke Dockyard will contribute to the dream will the building of a ferry for service in Sungai Buloh and Batang Sadong” he said, referring to the ferry which is under construction in Sejingkat.

The construction of the 42m double ended ferry is awarded to the corporation by Liew Fap Nien Sdn Bhd and is meant to be in service at Sungai Sadong, Kota Samarahan.

The stat-of the-art KBA Permata Hidro, meanwhile, will be utilized by the Sarawak Marine Department and the Buoys and Light Board, and will be involved in charting the seas, among other duties, and is a part of the department plan to upgrade its hydrographic and oceanographic capabilities.

“With competent staff, the Department will effectively chart our seas and rivers,” Jabu said.

Meanwhile, the corporation’s chairman Datuk Abang Haji Abdul Karim Abang Haji Openg said his corporation’s success in launching the vessel was another achievement for the marine engineering based company, and reflected the Brooke Dockyard’s strategy and capacity to carve its reputation as a capable shipbuilder for medium sized vessels and workboats.

Extract from Sarawak Tribune 28 September 2005

Posted: 13/06/2006