Coastal Erosion In Kuala Nerus Given Priority

KUALA TERENGGANU, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- The federal government, through the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), is implementing the Kuala Nerus Coastal Erosion Control Project, focusing on erosion along Pantai Batu Rakit in Kuala Nerus.

Terengganu Infrastructure, Utilities and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Hanafiah Mat said the project involves constructing 16 breakwater units and carrying out beach nourishment works over a two-kilometre stretch, with completion expected by Jan 14, 2027.

He said the project is progressing well and according to schedule, with 49.46 per cent of work completed to date.

“The project design is based on detailed technical studies that consider wave patterns, coastal currents and sand deposition along the affected coastline,” Hanafiah said during the winding-up debate at the Terengganu State Legislative Assembly here today.

Hanafiah stressed that a comprehensive solution to erosion along Pantai Batu Rakit requires an integrated approach, involving coastal conservation from shoreline to river estuaries.

“This approach is crucial as erosion and sand deposition occur dynamically between coastal cells, not limited to areas with protective structures alone,” he said.

Separately, Hanafiah said the state government will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) on Nov 24 to promote transit-oriented economic growth through Transit Oriented Development (TOD) along the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) station alignment in Terengganu.

He added that works for the initial phase, including site-clearing covering 242 hectares, have already begun this year and will continue into next year.

-- BERNAMA