(Miri, 10th) Recently, the Miri area has experienced severe floods, with Lutong Beach being seriously affected by erosion as seawater has flooded the roads, threatening nearby residential areas.
Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, Minister of Transport for Sarawak, held a press conference today on the fourth floor of the Miri Islamic Complex. He later led a team to inspect Lutong Beach in person and announced that the government has approved a grant of RM45 million for comprehensive repairs and will also take emergency measures to prevent further erosion.
Threatened Roads RM45 Million Repair Project to be Completed in 3 Years
Lee Kim Shin pointed out that the erosion problem at Lutong Beach has occurred multiple times, but this time it is particularly severe, affecting not only the roads but potentially causing damage to the residential areas of Taman Bayshore and Taman Bayshore Villa. The government has instructed the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), Miri City Council, Land Survey Department, and the Public Works Department (JKR) to closely monitor and adopt temporary protective measures to reduce potential disaster risks.
He revealed that the Lutong Beach Repair Project has received a RM45 million grant and is currently in the federal government tendering process, supervised by the Sarawak Department of Irrigation and Drainage. The project will adopt a Design-Build mode and is expected to be completed within 3 years, with the implementation of the following key measures:
1. Beach Nourishment – Enhance coastal stability.
2. Rock Revetment – Prevent seawater from eroding roads.
3. Marine Outfall – Prevent water backflow.
4. Earth Bund & Tidal Control Gate – Protect coastal residents.
5. Nearshore Breakwater – Reduce the impact of waves on the beach.
Shin Yang CSR Assists Establishing Temporary Rock Revetment
While waiting for the official project to commence, Shin Yang Group actively responded to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by providing free rocks, manpower, and machinery to establish a temporary 3-meter-high rock revetment to block seawater erosion. This initiative not only requires no additional government expenditure but also alleviates the disaster in a short time.
Currently, Shin Yang Group has completed 350 meters of the revetment project, with a target of 400 meters expected to be achieved within the week.
Lee Kim Shin emphasized that the rocks provided by Shin Yang Group are only temporary protective measures. Once the official project begins, these rocks will still belong to Shin Yang Group, and whether they continue to be used will be decided by the contractor who wins the bid, to avoid resource waste and unnecessary disputes.
The Disaster Management Committee Submits RM500 Million Grant Application
In addition, the Miri Disaster Management Committee has submitted a grant application to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee for more than RM500 million to repair other affected areas, including landslides and road damage issues in Canadian Hill.
Currently, the state government is awaiting federal government approval for the grant and will gradually carry out repair work once the funds are in place.
Lee Kim Shin thanked Shin Yang Group and all institutions assisting in disaster prevention for their efforts, which timely controlled the erosion issue at Lutong Beach and reassured the residents of Taman Bayshore and Taman Bayshore Villa.
He emphasized that the government will continue to pay attention to the environmental safety issues of the coastal areas in Miri, ensuring that residents' lives and property are not threatened. He also called on the public to jointly maintain the cleanliness and safety of Miri, keeping it a livable and tourist-friendly place.
