RM1.05 mln allocated for landslide mitigation in Miri’s Grand Park, Jln Hill

MIRI (Dec 4): The Sarawak government has allocated RM1.05 million for mitigation works at two serious landslides sites that pose risks to the lives and properties of affected residents, said State Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

The Senadin assemblyman said the funds were approved by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas for slope reinstatement works by the Public Works Department (JKR) at Grand Park and Jalan Hill.

“The amount approved for the site at Jalan Tang Lim Utusama at No. 2 Grand Park is RM 600,000, while another RM 450,000 has been allocated for Jalan Hill ― which I personally requested from the deputy premier,” he said after inspecting both sites here.

At the Jalan Hill site opposite Taman Awan, erosion during recent heavy rain caused part of the road to collapse.

Following his visit, Lee summoned all the utility agencies to the scene and called for close coordination to expedite slope reinstatement works.

The affected utilities include gas pipelines under Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros), fibre cables under Sacofa, water mains and other essential lines.

Lee said mitigation works must be fast-tracked but noted that administrative procedures may delay the project’s start to January next year.

Prior to the slope failure, Lee had already urged Miri City Council in October to address the drainage problems contributing to the erosion.

He said utility agencies will need to temporarily re-route gas, water, and other services to enable the reinstallment works to proceed safely.

Sarawak is expected to face storm surges early next year due to the monsoon season.

In January this year, heavy rain triggered multiple landslides in Miri, including the tragedy at Kampung Lereng Bukit, where five members of a family were killed after a slope at Canada Hill collapsed.