Lee (centre) flanked by Juan (left) in a photo call with the special task force after the meeting.

MIRI (Dec 4): Miri Disaster Management Committee (MDMC) has set up a special task force to mitigate the flash flood issue in the city, said Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

The minister in-charge of MDMC said the special task force comprised three agencies namely the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), Public Works Department (JKR), and Miri City Council (MCC).

“I have received complaints on the recent flash flood in the city centre whereby one of the hotels had to be temporarily closed with guests being relocated to another hotel,” he told a press conference here today, prior to a meeting with the special task force.

The Senadin assemblyman further noted that the agencies would implement flood prevention measures and conduct field inspections on all drainage systems under their jurisdiction.

He also called for the relevant agencies to take immediate actions to clear blocked drains to prevent such a flash flood recurrence.

“The special task force will also be tasked to monitor high-risk areas where erosion may occur, such as in the Canada Hill area,” he said.

Additionally, he said MDMC would submit a letter of proposal to the state disaster management committee to install wall block stone at the Lutong beach to protect the coastal shore and road near the beach, especially during King Tide and strong waves.

The project, he said, was estimated to cost around RM2.2 million.

“We had previously erected gabion walls along the beach in 2021 but today it is already damaged.

“We need to install this stone wall as suggested by the DID to protect the road and also the residential area near the beach,” he said.

Also present at the meeting was acting Miri Resident Juan Ubit.