Lee (right, facing camera) inspects the outlet which was blocked by earth disposed of by the developer into the drain. MIRI (Feb 5): Miri City Council (MCC) has been called to reinstate the operation of roll-on roll-off (Roro) bins as part of an ongoing effort to mitigate flood incidents in residential areas such as Senadin and Permyjaya, said Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. The state Transport Minister, who is also the minister in charge of the Divisional Disaster Management Committee, said that one of the main reasons why the water level in these areas took longer to recede following last week’s flood was blocked drains. “I went to check on the flood situation in Desa Senadin and Permyjaya last weekend, which experienced the worst flooding this time. I saw a lot of floating rubbish. “Two days with no rain, but the water still did not subside. It was stagnant, so what was the cause then? You cannot blame the rain anymore,” he told reporters after visiting a project site at the Pujut Corner-Miri Bypass traffic light intersection yesterday. He hoped that MCC, along with other agencies such as the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), would immediately clear rubbish and vegetation that are blocking the drains. Additionally, he urged residents to be responsible when disposing of their rubbish. “I suggest MCC reinstate the system of having Roro bins so that people have a proper place to throw their rubbish. “The public must cooperate and use the bins properly,” he said. Lee reiterated that action can be taken against those who dispose of their rubbish irresponsibly. During the visit to the project site, Lee called on the Land and Survey (L&S) Department to warn the developer to remove the earth that was blocking the outlet from discharging water into the main river. Lee said that Kampung Pujut Tanjung Batu was one of the villages worst affected by the recent flood due to irresponsible earth dumping into the drain. “They blocked it, and when we asked the council (MCC) and L&S to contact the developer, they couldn’t. So in the end, the villagers had to remove the earth themselves using hoes,” he said.

Lee (fourth right) pointing to one of the landslide sites next to the main road to Kampung Haji Wahed. — Photo by Jenifer Laeng MIRI (Feb 4): Experts, including slope specialists, have been tasked with conducting studies and assessing the safety of Kampung Lereng Bukit and Kampung Haji Wahid, which have been identified as landslide-prone areas, said Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. Lee, who is also the minister in charge of the divisional Disaster Management Committee, stated that the findings from these studies will guide the necessary actions to mitigate risks in these areas. “Additionally, the committee is awaiting recommendations from experts from the Public Works Department (JKR), who were also called to assist in the studies. “JKR Malaysia has also been asked to assist in conducting studies on these high-risk areas, particularly the hills and slopes,” he told reporters during a site visit to Kampung Haji Wahid this morning. Lee said four locations in Kampung Haji Wahid and Kampung Lereng Bukit have been identified as high-risk erosion areas. On the safety of the road to Kampung Haji Wahid and Grand Oil Lady, Lee said the route is still open to the public pending the experts’ report. However, he pointed out that a team has been tasked with patrolling the area at night to ensure the residents’ safety. On another note, he said that Miri City Council (MCC) and JKR have been asked to estimate the cost needed to repair the damaged roads, slopes, and drainage systems affected by the recent flood and landslide.

(From left) Teo and Dong pay a courtesy call on Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian the latter’s office in Wisma Bapa Malaysia. KUCHING (Feb 3): The upcoming Fudan University Biodiversity Museum in Miri is poised to become an exciting and innovative attraction, blending medical knowledge, biodiversity research, and advanced technology in a historic setting, said Prof Dong Jingcheng. He said the collaboration between Fudan University, the Sarawak government, and private sector partners such as Imasa Dinasti/TAK Group will be housed in Miri’s old city council building. “This strategic location highlights Sarawak’s commitment to preserving history while fostering scientific advancement,” he told a press conference here today. The Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University president said the museum will showcase a unique integration of modern and traditional medicine, including Chinese traditional medicine, indigenous healing practices, and contemporary medical advancements. “One of the museum’s most exciting features will also be its AI-powered medical consultation system. Visitors can interact with an AI doctor to receive medical insights, demonstrating the future of AI-assisted healthcare,” he said. Additionally, he said that the museum will explore Sarawak’s rich biodiversity, particularly the medicinal properties of rainforest plants used by indigenous communities such as the Penan. This aligns with the ongoing collaboration between Fudan University and the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre to document and study these valuable resources. “The museum will also highlight the global history of medicine, including contributions from China, Malaysia, and other cultures worldwide. Interactive displays will immerse visitors in the evolution of medical knowledge across civilisations,” he said. Another major attraction will be the inclusion of digital and virtual reality exhibits, with these cutting-edge technologies allowing visitors to experience ancient medical practices, view 3D models of medicinal plants, and engage with AI-driven health diagnostics. He said the initiative aligns with Sarawak’s broader plans to become a hub for education and medical research. “Hence the establishment of the Fudan University Healthcare branch in Miri’s Kenyalang Smart City will further reinforce this vision too,” he said. Dong said the museum marks the first step towards a larger vision, which includes establishing a university branch and a teaching hospital in the future. He praised Sarawak for its unique racial harmony and natural biodiversity, which make it an ideal location for integrative medical research. He stressed China and Sarawak’s collaboration underscores the importance of international partnerships in advancing healthcare and biodiversity conservation. “The Sarawak government’s support, including providing key heritage buildings for the project, reflects its commitment to fostering scientific and educational growth,” he said. The museum will also feature live demonstrations and workshops, allowing visitors to witness traditional medicine preparation and herbal remedy applications firsthand. Experts from Fudan University and Sarawak Biodiversity Centre will conduct research and educational programmes, further enriching the learning experience. Dong added the museum is expected to become a major landmark, attracting researchers, students, and tourists interested in medicine, biodiversity, and technology. Also present during the press conference was Imasa Dinasti/TAK Group chairman Teo Ah Khing. In November, Miri mayor Adam Yii confirmed that the Miri City Council had agreed to lease the old council building for the museum project at a symbolic rental fee of RM1 per annum. He said extensive renovations would transform the site into a modern exhibition and research facility while preserving its historical charm.

Lee (seated, fourth left) addresses the press conference, flanked by Ting on his left and Galong. MIRI (Feb 3): Nine families in Kampung Lereng Bukit here, whose homes were severely damaged by a landslide last week, will be temporarily relocated pending arrangements under the Housing Commission, said Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. The state Transport Minister, who is minister in charge of the Divisional Disaster Management Committee (DDMC), said plans are underway to relocate the victims currently housed at a temporary evacuation centre here. “This morning, we are happy that a few developers were with us, and they are willing to assist. “Naim Cendera has offered four houses, and they will do this as part of their corporate social responsibility for three months,” he told reporters after chairing a meeting with the committee at the Resident’s Office today. He added that a house in Kuala Baram, which is quite far from town, and another accommodation previously used during the Covid-19 pandemic, are available and can accommodate the nine affected families. The Senadin assemblyman pointed out that these are temporary plans for a few months, pending a decision from the Housing Commission. “We have made a request to the Housing Commission to provide accommodation for a longer stay until all nine families are given permanent locations or lots for resettlement.” Lee also informed that the DDMC will continue to monitor the situation at Kampung Lereng Bukit closely in case of secondary landslides. On the post-flood operation, he said they will be organising gotong-royong (work party) activities involving various agencies, including the army, Miri City Council (MCC), Fire and Rescue Department, and the community. “If we wait for the council to clear the debris, it will take a long time and we cannot wait. “As for the roads that were damaged by the flood, MCC will arrange for their team to assess and repair them. The Department of Irrigation and Drainage has also been asked to clear vegetation and storm drain blockages that caused flooding in Permyjaya, Senadin and Pujut Tanjung Batu.” On the current weather condition, Lee cautioned that poor weather is expected to persist until Feb 7. Thus, he said the DDMC team will remain on high alert. Among those present at the meeting were Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting, who is Piasau assemblyman, and Miri Resident Galong Luang.

Lee (left) discusses conditions at the Kampung Katong Lopeng surau. MIRI (Feb 3): The Miri Disaster Management Committee (MDMC) has called for safety at the Kampung Katong Lopeng surau to be monitored following a landslide in the village on Jan 29. Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, who led an MDMC team to the village last night, said the Public Works Department (JKR) Miri divisional engineer has been directed to urgently assess the situation. In the incident on Jan 29, the surau’s extension and fencing collapsed and fell down the valley at 5am. A village house, located some distance away, was destroyed in another landslide at 8am. “Fortunately, no one was in the house when the incident happened but there is sign of a potential landslide on one section of the road,” Lee said in a Facebook post. He said the Miri City Council has also been directed to take remedial measures to prevent a landslide on the village road.