MIRI – Disruptions in the drainage system have been identified as the primary cause of recurring floods along the Miri Bypass, with illegal dumping and unauthorised crossings obstructing the smooth flow of rainwater.
The issue came to light during a survey visit to affected areas, which included Kampung Pujut Padang Kerbau and several residential neighbourhoods situated along the bypass.
Local villagers and road users have been repeatedly impacted by flooding, particularly during heavy rainfall.
Sarawak Transport Minister and Senadin State Assemblyman (ADUN), Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, explained that on-site inspections revealed serious blockages in the main roadside drainage.
Piles of garbage, uncontrolled growth of wild plants and the construction of illegal crossings using undersized culverts were found to be restricting water flow.
“All water from nearby residential areas and villages flows into this main drainage. When the flow is disrupted due to blockages and illegal crossings, flooding is inevitable,” he said during a site visit at Jalan Pintas Miri on Monday.
He added that several illegal crossings had been built without approval along the drainage alignment, further worsening the situation.
In addition, earthen drains had deteriorated into natural channels overgrown with vegetation, reducing their effectiveness in directing water.
Dato Sri Lee urged the Public Works Department (JKR) to conduct a thorough review of the entire drainage alignment, including sections of the Pan Borneo route, and to take firm action against illegal crossings that obstruct water flow.
On long-term measures, he stressed that any proposal to upgrade the drainage system, whether through design improvements or reconstruction must be carefully studied by JKR.
As the Pan Borneo route is funded by the Federal Government, further discussions with the Central Government will be required before implementation.
The inspection was also attended by Chai Chung Enn, Assistant Engineer of the Miri JKR Division, and Ar. Jeffery Phang, reflecting the collaborative effort to address the flooding issue.
The findings underscore the urgent need for stricter enforcement against illegal activities affecting drainage systems, as well as investment in infrastructure upgrades to prevent recurrent flooding along one of Miri’s busiest routes.
