KANOWIT: The introduction of the Kanowit-Sedaya ferry service six months ago has significantly improved the lives of residents on both sides of the Rajang River.
Many residents, particularly farmers in and around the Sedaya area, are now able to transport and market their fresh produce in Kanowit town with greater ease.
The ferry service has helped them boost their income while teachers and students from SMK Sedaya, SMK Nanga Dap and SK Nanga Dap now enjoy a more convenient journey to Kanowit.
The ferry service has benefitted rural communities, particularly residents from Nanga Tada, Mapai, Bejait, Sedaya and Bawan.
With the ferry now in operation, travel time to Kanowit town has been significantly reduced, making it easier for residents to access essential services such as Kanowit Hospital and the Kanowit District Office.
Prior to the ferry’s introduction, those from Sedaya side had to travel approximately 30km to the Durin Bridge in order to cross the river and reach the town.
Several residents interviewed by Sarawak Tribune spoke positively about the ferry service, which operates daily from 4am to 11pm, saying it has made their daily lives much easier.
Each vehicle is charged only RM1, a minimal fee that places little burden on motorists.
Tan Liong Koon, 78, said he no longer uses the Durin Bridge when travelling to Kanowit bazaar.
“This ferry service means a great deal to us. The days of having to drive all the way to the bridge just to cross the river to Kanowit are now behind us. I never imagined that we would one day have such a service,” said Tan, who has lived in Segayang since his teenage years.
Due to his age, Tan is no longer able to drive and now relies on one of his sons to take him to town.
When his son is unavailable because of work commitments, Tan, who previously worked in Brunei’s property construction sector, takes a van from his home to the ferry terminal at a cost of RM5 for a one-way journey.
He then boards a small boat to Kanowit town, paying RM1 each way. More often than not, his wife accompanies him on their trips to purchase groceries.
Meanwhile, Kong Mee Ling, 56, a resident of Stabau near the Durin Bridge, recently took the ferry to town for the first time together with her husband and son.
“We wanted to experience the ferry service so we decided to come here. We normally use the Durin Bridge to travel to Kanowit because our house is located nearby. However, this ferry service is a great benefit to people in the area as it makes travelling to Kanowit much more convenient and accessible.”
Susie Buah shared a similar view, describing the ferry service as a major convenience for residents.
“Previously, when we wanted to travel to Sedaya from our longhouse in Machan, we had to drive about 40 minutes to the Durin Bridge before crossing the river. It was not only time-consuming but also costly due to higher fuel consumption.
“With the ferry service, however, it now takes just a few minutes to cross the river,” said Susie, who is a member of the Civil Defence Force (APM).
She added that the ferry service has also greatly benefitted many students and teachers who live in Kanowit town and commute daily to schools in the Sedaya area.
The ferry service was jointly launched on Dec 24, 2025 by Machan assemblyman Allan Siden Gramong and Ngemah assemblyman Anyi Jana.
The ferry service is part of ongoing efforts to improve rural connectivity and support socio-economic development in surrounding areas.
The whole project includes the construction of the ferry ramp, setting gantry height limits, road resurfacing works as well as the construction of a waiting shelter, security guard post and toilet facilities.
