45 Million Ringgit Permanent Plan Approved, Lee Kim Shin: Solving Lutong Beach Erosion Issue

 (Miri, 16th) A permanent solution costing 45 million ringgit has been approved to address the erosion issue of Lutong Beach 4, with construction expected to commence in July 2025 and complete in 2 years. 

 

Dato Seri Lee Kim Shin, Sarawak's Minister of Transport, announced the detailed plan of the project during a meeting with the Miri Drainage and Irrigation Department today. 

 

Lee Kim Shin stated that Lutong Beach experienced severe coastal erosion in February 2021, prompting the authorities to take emergency measures. “At that time, we collaborated with the Public Works Department (JKR) and the Sarawak Drainage and Irrigation Department to implement a temporary 210-meter long Gabion Wall protection measure,” he said. 

 

However, recognizing the need for a long-term solution, the authorities submitted a proposal for a permanent repair in January 2022. The project is funded by a federal government grant and includes extensive coastal protection measures. 

 

He mentioned that the permanent solution includes 1 kilometer of beach reclamation to restore the coastline; rock revetments to reinforce the beach structure; a 2 kilometer long ring bund; 4 offshore breakwaters, totaling about 0.4 kilometers in length; a marine outfall with a length of 150 meters; and tidal control gates to regulate water flow and mitigate flood risks. 

 

Additionally, he pointed out that the project will not only protect nearby residential areas but also promote sustainable coastal management, ensuring long-term protection against erosion threats in the area. 

 

He stated that the tender for the project opened on January 2nd, 2025, and will close on January 16th. The tender is managed by the Sarawak Drainage and Irrigation Department, and an application has been submitted to the Malaysian Drainage and Irrigation Department to receive federal grant support. The project is expected to officially commence in July 2025, with a construction period of 2 years. 

 

Lee Kim Shin emphasized the urgency of the project and stated that it is an important development project for Lutong Beach, and they have been actively pursuing this permanent solution. 

 

“Once the project is completed, Lutong Beach and its surrounding areas will gain long-term protection, boosting resistance to coastal erosion and floods, ensuring the sustainable development of the coastal environment.” 

 

Besides, after inspecting the Lutong Beach erosion issue this afternoon, he told the media that due to the current serious situation, in addition to requiring the Miri City Council to be responsible for relevant temporary protection measures, they have also requested the Miri Drainage and Irrigation Department to prioritize temporary coastal protection measures, including placing some stones to prevent wave erosion from reaching the road.