Kampung Luak gets RM200,000 for temporary coastal protection project

MIRI (Jan 25): An allocation of RM200,000 has been approved for the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Miri to implement an emergency temporary coastal protection project for Kampung Luak here.

Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting said the project was designed to address the long-standing and increasingly severe coastal erosion affecting the area.

He said he was informed by the DID Miri divisional engineer Henry Tuah that the proposed works on the Kampung Luak Fish Market would involve the construction of a rock revetment extending approximately 50m.

“Based on the briefing by DID Miri, the project is intended as a short-term emergency measure to slow down coastal erosion and safeguard nearby roads as well as the surrounding community,” said the Piasau assemblyman in a statement.

He noted that the erosion problem along the Luak coastline had persisted for many years, and during a site visit in October last year, he observed that more than 40m of the original coastal road had been completely eroded, highlighting the seriousness of land loss in the area.

“Although this allocation is temporary in nature, it will help alleviate the current situation.

“A more comprehensive and systematic coastal protection plan, supported by long-term funding, is still needed to address the root cause of the erosion problem.”

Ting added that he would continue to work closely with relevant agencies to pursue sustainable long-term solutions.

“We are not only protecting land, but also the safety and quality of life of residents.”

Ting also announced that an additional RM300,000 had been approved under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) grant for upgrading and repair works on the Kampung Luak Fish Market.

“The project is expected to be implemented within the year to further improve infrastructure and enhance the operating and living environment of local fishermen and the surrounding community,” he added.