MIRI: The Miri City Council (MCC) has been urged to reinstate roll-on, roll-off (RORO) bins to improve waste management.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin also urged both the council and the Land and Survey Department to take strict action against a developer at Bumi Jaya Industrial Park for blocking a crucial waterway along the Pujut Bypass, which has contributed to severe flooding in Kampung Pujut Tanjong Batu.
During a visit to the affected area, Lee expressed his concern after receiving complaints from the villagers.
He noted that the kampung’s drainage system, which had been upgraded with concrete channels and a flood control gate, had prevented floods for over a decade. However, the recent flooding was unusually severe, prompting an investigation.
“I was very surprised by the extent of the flooding,” he said. “The kampung people informed me that the main storm drain and stream were blocked by the developer. They even pointed out a structure blocking the water flow.”
Attempts by MCC and the Land and Survey Department to reach the developer were unsuccessful, leaving the local community with no choice but to take matters into their own hands.
More than 30 residents, led by the village head, organised a gotong-royong (community clean-up) and manually removed the blockage using hoes.
Lee condemned the obstruction of the natural waterway, calling on the relevant authorities to investigate and ensure that developers comply with approved engineering plans.
“This situation is unacceptable. The kampung’s drainage system was functioning well. The flood control gate was operational, and the village had not experienced severe flooding for over ten years,” he said.
“However, with the water outlet blocked, the floodwaters had nowhere to go, causing serious inundation.”
The minister also inspected other flood-affected areas, including Desa Senadin and Permyjaya, where he identified clogged drains and overgrown waterways as major contributors to the problem.
“In some areas, I found floating rubbish and overgrown vegetation blocking the natural streams,” he said. “Even after two days without rain, floodwaters remained stagnant, which clearly indicates that blockages were the cause, not heavy rainfall.”
Following discussions with relevant authorities, the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), MCC, and the Public Works Department (JKR) have been instructed to clear roadside drains, storm drains, and discharge outlets. They have also been directed to carry out river cleaning, particularly to remove water hyacinths and other vegetation obstructing the flow of water.
Lee also highlighted Miri’s growing waste management issues and urged MCC to reinstate the RORO (roll-on, roll-off) bin system, which had previously provided designated disposal points for bulk waste.
“I am very disappointed with the current situation. Rubbish is being dumped by the roadside, which is irresponsible and unacceptable,” he said.
“The reinstatement of RORO bins will ensure people have a proper place to dispose of their waste and help prevent rubbish from clogging drains and causing further flooding.”
He stressed the importance of public cooperation in maintaining cleanliness and warned that enforcement action should be taken against those who continue to litter irresponsibly.
“If people are given the facility, they must use it properly. Dumping rubbish by the roadside instead of in designated bins is unacceptable,” he stressed.
“The council must take firm action under anti-littering by-laws to ensure everyone plays their part in keeping the city clean.”
The minister urged MCC to act swiftly in addressing these issues, stressing that a coordinated approach between the authorities and the community is essential to prevent further flooding and improve overall waste management in Miri.
