RM25mil to address coastal erosion problem

Wan Junaidi: Project will also help boost tourism in Sarawak

MIRI:

The Federal Government has approved a RM25mil project to control coastal erosion in Kampung Batu 1 in Kuala Baram.

The project is expected to be completed in 2021, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said.

He said the tender for the project would open in March with implementation targeted for June.

“The project is expected to be ready within three years and the design concept will be the first of its kind in Sarawak,” he told reporters after a visit to the Kampung Batu 1 Fishermen’s Market here yesterday.

Wan Junaidi said the design concept was similar to the one in Terengganu.

“Once it is ready, it will not only control coastal erosion but will also be a tourism icon in Sarawak.

“Such a project has been done in the penin- sula and was found to be effective in controlling erosion,’’ he added.

Kampung Batu 1 was the worst flood-hit area on Dec 20 due to the high tide and continuous rain overnight.

To prevent the fishermen’s boats from being swept out to sea, the boats were placed on the roadside instead.

Pictures from the scene went viral on social media.

On a related matter, Wan Junaidi said the Drainage and Irrigation Department had been directed to conduct a detailed study on how to tackle floods in and outside Miri city.

He said the Federal Government was prepared to implement short and long-term projects such as deepening rivers outside the city to reduce flooding.

“The existing drainage system was not able to handle excess water from heavy rain from Nov 13 till Dec 26,’’ he added. — Bernama