However, perahu (small wooden boat) operators here have a completely different view.

Perahu operators here do not want the government to build a bridge at the Kota Samarahan jetty because providing ferrying services is their only source of income.

During a visit to the jetty, FMT asked an operator, Mohamad Bujang, 42, if the state government had made an announcement about a bridge being built there.

“Yes, but it’s at Kampung Baru, not here. No need to build a bridge here, we are doing fine with our perahu. This (operating perahu) gives me my income,” he said.

Another operator, who did not wish to be named, said he would oppose any suggestion to build a bridge at the jetty.

“No. How are we going to make money if there’s a bridge here? We don’t have any other job. This is our only source of income,” he said.

At the jetty, there are ferry and perahu services but the ferry service can only be used during high tide while the perahu service is available anytime of the day.

The only problem is that, only a few pedestrians and three motorcycles can fit into one perahu at a time.

Most people who live in Asajaya and Sadong Jaya have no choice but to travel using the ferry service or the perahu service to go to Kuching to work.

Perahu fare for one person is RM1 while for one motorcycle it is RM2.

According to another perahu operator, they can only earn a few hundred ringgit a month.

“Imagine if we’re not doing this. There goes our few hundreds a month. After that, what can we do? Work at construction sites? Become a farmer? How much money can we get from working as a construction worker or a farmer?”