Riverbank buffer construction request submitted to DID

Discussions in progress

19 March 2025

TUARAN: Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has submitted a request to the Tuaran Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) for the construction of riverbank protection structures in several areas of Kiulu that have been severely affected by erosion.

This request follows complaints from the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK), who are concerned about the worsening erosion caused by flooding.

On Wednesday, Joniston visited the Tuaran DID office to receive a briefing and discuss issues related to riverbank erosion, as well as the need for proper irrigation for paddy fields and fruit farms in Kiulu. During the meeting, he presented a list of areas facing serious riverbank erosion that require urgent action to the Tuaran District Engineer, Mohd Khairul Anwar Abdul Rahman.

So far, 17 locations have been identified as needing immediate riverbank protection:

Nampayan paddy fields, Sungai Ponohuon (100m)

Hatob Agricultural Road, Sungai Ponohuon (100m)

Kg. Ponohuon paddy fields - new water channel/drain (100m)

Rusinah’s house area, Sungai Ponohuon (70m)

Kiulu Cultural House, Sungai Tuaran (100m)

Dogis Road, Kg. Malangang Baru, Sungai Tuaran (40m)

Kiulu Tourism Centre, Sungai Tombongon (20m)

Kg. Lubok, Sungai Kakib/Kimulou (100m)

Kg. Rugading, Kiulu, Sungai Tuaran (100m)

Kg. Rugading, Kiulu, Sungai Tuaran (200m)

Kg. Malangang Lama, Sungai Pulou Kelapa (100m)

Mini Hall Kg. Waig2, Sungai Tuaran (100m)

Nampasan, Kg. Pukak, Sungai Tuaran (100m)

Tagal Kitapol Hall, Sungai Mantaranau (30m)

Ratau Tourism Centre, Sungai Kimulou (100m)

Kg. Pahu Tourism Centre, Sungai Kimulou (200m)

Riverbank near the Muslim and Christian cemeteries in Kg. Nawoi

Joniston stated that the Kiulu Community Development Office has inspected all the locations and confirmed that the erosion is severe and requires urgent attention. He expressed concern, saying, “This situation could lead to even worse damage if not addressed quickly. I hope immediate action will be taken to resolve the erosion problem that threatens the safety of villagers and tourism areas in Kiulu.”

Photos of each affected location were also submitted to the Tuaran DID for reference.

During the briefing, Mohd Khairul noted that the riverbank protection project at Kg. Tompinahaton, which cost RM2 million, has been completed. Meanwhile, the riverbank protection projects at SMK Tun Fuad Stephens and SK Pekan Kiulu, amounting to RM9 million, are currently underway and are expected to be completed next year.

Previously, Joniston had also conducted site visits and discussions with officers from the Tuaran Public Works Department (JKR) and the Tuaran Agriculture Department to address related issues affecting the Kiulu area.