MIRI, Jan 7: A temporary path will be opened on the breakwater project at Batu Satu beach in Kuala Baram here which is presently clogged with wood chips and organic marine debris.
Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the recurring incidents of wood chips and organic marine debris washed up on Batu Satu beach are obstructing the movement of fishing boats.
“This problem needs immediate attention so as not to trouble and complicate the lives of fishermen.
“The temporary path will be opened immediately using an excavator so that the path congested with marine debris can be cleared to make it easier for fishermen to pull their boats to go down and back from the sea,” he said after a visit to inspect the debris at a location in Kampung Batu Satu here yesterday (Jan 6).
According to a news report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Lee, who is also Senadin assemblyman, said he had requested the help of the Land and Survey Department to find a suitable area to accommodate the marine debris to be cleared.
In addition, he also urged the consultant of the breakwater project to find an effective long-term solution to tackle marine litter pollution.
“The breakwater project consultant needs to go down to the field to study the situation. They are the engineers of the project who should have the expertise to come up with a long-term solution,” he said.
Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Miri Division engineer Ir Hiew Si Tien and Kampung Batu Satu village head Mohd Yusop and local fishermen were among those present. — DayakDaily
