Inp.polri.go.id - Pekanbaru. In the upcoming 2023 year-end holiday season, where thousands are expected to travel beyond their regions for Christmas 2023 and New Year 2024, Chief of Riau Islands Regional Police Brigadier General Yan Fitri Halimansyah urged transport providers to prioritize passenger safety. "As holiday season approaches, water transport operators are reminded to provide life jackets or flotation devices on all vessels, including boats, roro, ferry boats, or sampans," he said on Thursday (12/21/23). Recalling a tragic 2018 incident involving tourists traveling to Penyengat Island on a boat that capsized, resulting in the death of all passengers, he emphasized the mandatory provision of safety flotation devices on all vessels. In a preventive measure, he directed all subordinate city police stations in the Riau Islands Regional Police to conduct inspections and issue warnings. "We cannot allow preventable incidents due to negligence. Before a boat sets sail, we must inform passengers about the availability of safety flotation devices underneath and ensure there are enough for everyone. Besides issuing warnings, we also distribute printed materials or banners advising passengers about onboard safety equipment," he concluded. (ar/my/hn/nm)