By Tedong Rantayy
MIRI, Feb 10: Immediate emergency works to mitigate the severe erosion at Lutong Beach will commence following directives from Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
The urgent intervention, funded by the federal government, aims to safeguard the coastal road and surrounding areas from further damage due to relentless high tides and monsoon conditions.
Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew disclosed this development during a press conference accompanied by Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang, who also serves as the Pujut assemblyman, today.
Ting revealed that he had personally written to the deputy prime minister on January 16, highlighting the worsening erosion and the need for immediate remedial measures.
His appeal was reinforced by discussions with Sarawak Minister for Transport Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin and Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Dato Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
“I had expressed serious concerns about the impact of strong waves and high tides, which have already washed away parts of the road. If left unaddressed, the situation could escalate, leading to road collapse and endangering public safety,” Ting said.
He further explained that while the federal government has allocated RM45 million for a long-term coastal protection project, the tender process for the design and build contract only closed on January 31.
Given that such processes typically take months, he urged for emergency intervention to prevent further deterioration in the meantime.
In response, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof promptly instructed for temporary works to commence. While Ting had initially requested RM5 million for these immediate measures, the exact funding amount for the emergency works has not been disclosed.
In parallel, the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee and Miri Disaster Management Committee are also exploring additional measures to bolster efforts in securing the affected area.
Ting also confirmed that he had reached out to Miri police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu, requesting police assistance in placing warning signs at the affected site to alert the public.
“This is a serious situation, and we cannot afford to wait. The waves, high tide, and rainy season pose an ongoing threat. We are very grateful to our deputy prime minister for his swift action in addressing this urgent matter,” he added.
With emergency works now set to begin, authorities hope to stabilise the affected section of Lutong Beach while awaiting the implementation of the larger federal-funded coastal protection project. — DayakDaily
