Lee (fourth left) in a photocall with the MCC and DID officials during the meeting.

MIRI (Oct 31): Miri City Council (MCC) and other relevant agencies have been urged to intensify drainage maintenance and improvement works within their respective jurisdictions to reduce flooding in affected areas.

Caretaker State Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said drainage blockages, silt accumulation and inadequate maintenance were among the factors contributing to flooding earlier this year.

Following the incidents, Lee visited the affected areas and met with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), MCC engineers and the Public Works Department (JKR), urging the agencies to carry out the necessary cleaning and maintenance of drainage systems under their respective responsibilities.

He said DID had completed its maintenance works, while JKR had completed part of the work under its purview.

However, Lee stressed that MCC also had an important role to play, as the council oversees internal and perimeter drainage systems within housing estates. These systems channel water into major drains, retention ponds and outlets.

“Some of the drains are also silted, and these are among the causes of flooding.

“I have asked all agencies to do their part, particularly in ensuring that the drainage systems under their maintenance are properly cleaned,” he told a press conference after a flood mitigation coordination meeting at DID Miri yesterday.

Lee said he had secured a special allocation of RM3 million from caretaker Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for MCC to carry out drainage improvement and maintenance works in northern Miri, including Permyjaya, Senadin and Tudan.

He said the allocation had been channelled to the council, which was coordinating with DID to identify areas requiring attention.

Meanwhile, Lee said DID had completed 18 maintenance projects worth RM1.17 million, covering six major retention ponds and 12 major storm drains in flood-affected areas.

The works covered Desa Senadin, Tudan, Desaras, Desa Pujut, Permyjaya and other locations, and included removing rubbish and floating debris from retention ponds and clearing storm drains.