Rocking the 'bot penambang'

THE boat service at Kundang Ulu-Liang Batu jetty is the main mode of transportation for villagers.

Situated at the Sungai Muar riverbank, this mode of water transportation known as “bot penambang” has been providing services to villagers and travellers along rivers for the last 60 years.

It is the only river transportation service for locals in the districts of Tangkak and Muar in Johor. Unfortunately, its days are numbered as people no longer rely on it to get around.

Just metres away from the jetty, MUAR a new bridge is reported to be built soon.

Crossing the river from Kundang Ulu jetty to Liang Batu jetty to get to work and go to school is the best option for many of locals as it saves time and money.

One commuter is Ahmad Tajuddin, who has been using the boat service for the last 15 years.

He said the service allowed him to cut between 30 and 45 minutes of travelling time.

For student Aishah Abu Bakar and her two friends, the service is a convenient way to get to school.

“We rely on the service because we can reach SMK Tengku Temenggong Ahmad in Kundang Ulu, Johor, from the jetty in five minutes.”

Boat operator Naziz Ali Husin said there were more than five jetties for “bot penambang” in thedistrict since 1950s.

However, infrastructure development saw bridges and more schools being built in the district, reducing people’s need for “bot penambang”.

As a result, of such services, which were mainly run by villagers, had to shut down.

Naziz said he began his day at 6.15am to ferry workers, students and the locals.

“For pedestrians, I charge 60 sen per person each way, while those with motorcycles will be charged only RM1.20 per person each way.

“Most of my customers are students and people who work in the area.”

He said part of his job responsibility was to ensure that the people were notified when he could not operate the service.

“Before taking my rest days, which does not happen often, I will issue a notice three days earlier at the waiting area of the jetty so that my customers can manage their travelling time accordingly.”

Naziz hoped to continue providing the service to the people.

“I am happy if I can keep doing this, but I don’t know how much longer my service will be needed,” he said.