By Tedong Rantayy
MIRI, July 27: Five locations in the Miri Division have been earmarked for projects aimed at mitigating coastal flooding as part of a larger initiative across Sarawak.
The selected sites include Lutong Beach, Bungai Bekenu, Peliau Bungai, Kampung Kuala Sibuti, and Bakam Beach.
This announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who also serves as the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, during a site visit today.
The coastal flooding mitigation initiative, which involves a total allocation of RM316 million, aims to address flooding issues across 17 locations in Sarawak.
Other designated locations for similar projects include Kampung Siru Melayu, Rambungan Stoh (Kuching), Pantai Kampung Semarang, Rumah Ek-Rumah Betty, Pantai Beting Maro, Pangai Maludam (Betong), Jalan Mukah-Oya (Kampung Judan), Kpg. Baru Rajang, Kpg. Tekajong, and Sebako Sedi (Mukah), Pantai Sungai Bangat (Limbang), and Kampung Seberang Sebuyau (Samarahan).
Fadillah stated that the specific project packages for each location will be determined by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak before the procurement process begins.
The implementation of these projects is expected to start in 2025, covering protection works along a 40km stretch of coastline.
This initiative aims to protect approximately 45,000 coastal residents, 6,000 hectares of agricultural land, and 300 hectares of industrial areas from flooding and coastal erosion.
During his visit, Fadillah also witnessed the handover of five completed projects, executed by the DID and handed over to the Sarawak government.
These projects, funded with a federal allocation of RM52 million, include three flood mitigation plans and two coastal erosion projects: Flood Mitigation Plan for Kampung Bako Resettlement Area (Kuching), Flood Mitigation Plan for Kampung Sebemban Batang Sadong Basin, Bintulu Flood Mitigation Plan for Kemena River Basin, Coastal Erosion Control Project in Kampung Kuala Hilir Oya (Mukah Division), and River Estuaries Conservation Project for Sematan River Estuary (Kuching Division).
The completion of these flood mitigation projects is expected to provide protection to 3,500 residents in the affected areas.
Additionally, the coastal erosion control projects will benefit nearly 11,000 residents and fishermen, safeguarding them from the risks of flooding and coastal erosion.
Also present were Sarawak Minister for Transport Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, Miri Mayor Adam Yii, DID Malaysia deputy director-general Ir. Amiruddin Alaldin, and Sarawak Implementation Monitoring Unit Director Hajah Sapiah Daud. — DayakDaily
