MIRI (June 19): Nearly six months after severe floods and a deadly landslide struck Miri, MP Chiew Choon Man is calling for sustained recovery efforts and long-term mitigation planning to protect the city from future disasters.

In a statement today, Chiew stressed that post-disaster work must continue beyond initial aid, highlighting the need for consistent follow-up nearly half a year after heavy rains triggered widespread flooding across Miri and surrounding divisions.

The same weather event also caused a deadly landslide at the foot of Canada Hill in Kampung Lereng Bukit, claiming lives and destroying homes.

“This tragedy has tested the resilience of our community. It must serve as a powerful lesson for all of us in building a safer, more prepared Miri,” he said.

Chiew thanked government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the thousands of volunteers who responded during the emergency.

He also acknowledged the federal and Sarawak governments for their early support, including the RM1,000 Bantuan Wang Ihsan (BWI) cash aid and initial allocations for repairs and recovery.

However, he cautioned that meaningful recovery cannot end with first-response measures.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure follow-up actions continue and are not just reactive measures when issues go viral,” Chiew said.

Chiew urged authorities to ensure that BWI payments are completed fairly and promptly, regardless of whether victims stayed in official Temporary Relief Centres (PPS) or elsewhere.

“No one should be left behind in the recovery process.”

He also called for the repair and restoration of flood-damaged homes and infrastructure to be expedited.

He emphasised the need for these efforts to follow a clear implementation schedule, with consistent oversight to ensure timely completion.

On mitigation, Chiew pressed for the urgent finalisation of a slope safety study for Canada Hill, especially in the affected Kampung Lereng Bukit area, and the immediate implementation of a long-term landslide prevention plan to safeguard surrounding communities.

Equally pressing, he said, is the need to accelerate Miri’s flood mitigation strategy.

This includes drainage upgrades, construction of retention ponds, riverbank reinforcements, and sustainable urban development to reduce the city’s exposure to future weather-related disasters.

To push for concrete progress, Chiew said he will convene meetings with relevant agencies to obtain updates and intends to raise the matter in Parliament, including requesting additional allocations if current funds fall short.

“Recovery is not just about rebuilding; it’s about preventing future disasters. Let this serve as a turning point for Miri to become a safer, more resilient, and inclusive city,” he said.