MIRI (March 10): A sum of RM45 million has been allocated for the permanent erosion control project of Lutong Beach here, said state Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

According to the Senadin assemblyman, the works are expected to take off next year, and are estimated to take three years to complete.

“In the meantime, temporary coastal protection works are being carried out as an immediate measure to prevent further erosion,” he said in a press conference here today.

The initiative, undertaken as part of Shin Yang Group’s corporate social responsibility efforts, involves the construction of a rock retaining wall reaching up to 3m in height, and spanning 400m in length along the section of Jalan Pantai, said to be the most vulnerable to wave impact.

Lee said having visited the site to inspect the progress of the temporary works, he was concerned that the ongoing erosion could soon affect the nearby housing areas.

“It can happen anytime, especially when there is a storm or high tide,” he said, acknowledging that for now, the temporary works progress stood at 90 per cent, with full completion expected within this week.

Lutong Beach has faced severe coastal erosion issues for years, prompting calls for long-term solutions.

In the past, strong waves and high tides had washed away parts of the shoreline, threatening the nearby infrastructure and houses.

The permanent coastal protection project will consist of several key components including beach ‘nourishment’, rock revetment, marine outfall, a tidal control gate, near-shore breakwaters, and an earth bund.