Lee points to the Tusan cliff which is in serious stage of erosion.
MIRI: The Public Works Department (JKR) will study the requirements and come up with cost estimation for a project to mitigate soil erosion at the Tusan cliff here.
Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin said this project would be separate from the current project to upgrade infrastructure and facilities at Tusan Beach.
Lee disclosed this after a site inspection of the RM6-million upgrading project which included land acquisition and consultancy costs.
“JKR will make a study and come up with a design as soon as possible and it will be a separate project as the erosion here is quite serious,” he said.
On the infrastructure upgrading, he called on the contractor to give priority to the construction of the staircase and wave breakers to stop further destruction.
The site has been handed over to the contractor and work will kick off next week for the addition of a food court, observation tower, safety rails, foot path for hikers and other back-to-nature facilities.
Upon completion in February 2020, the project will make the beach more attractive with various facilities for local visitors and tourists.
Tusan Beach attracted widespread attention after photos of the ‘Blue Tears’ natural phenomenon appeared on social media in 2015 and the authorities are looking forward to greater tourism spin-offs.
On the RM3.6-million Bakam point project about 20km out of the city centre, Lee said it was progressing very well.
“It is about 70 per cent completed but additional works would be required to solve the river erosion and the consultant will put up a proposal,” he added.
The project includes a 30m jetty, 16 lock-up shops, 20 fishermen stalls and one food and drink outlet.
The project is expected to be completed by August this year.
Miri Resident’s Office is the implementing agency under supervision by JKR.