The Region Five Marine Operations Force (MOF) will station four personnel in two jet skis to patrol near the Kuching Waterfront here on weekends and public holidays.

Its commander, ACP Salehuddin Mat Zaman said among others, the patrol, to be conducted from 9am to 6pm, was to ensure that boat operators would comply to the Sarawak River Ordinance (SRO).

"Tourists will feel safer and more confident with the presence of these personnel. It will also show the 'omnipresence' of marine police in tourist hotspots in Sarawak, as well as to create awareness among boat passengers that safety is always a priority when in the waters," he said here on Sunday.

Salehuddin said having the marine policemen in the area would also increase the response time for search and rescue (SAR) operations in case of emergency in the Sarawak River.

He also advised boat operators at the Kuching Waterfront to adhere to the safety regulations as stipulated in the SRO for the sake of passengers.

"Safety aspect such as providing adequate life vests and to not overload passengers must be complied with," Salehuddin added.

--BERNAMA