Federal Govt Allocates RM1.5 Mln To Tackle Erosion At Pantai Siring, Melaka

JASIN, July 22 (Bernama) -- The Federal Government, through the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), has approved an allocation of RM1.5 million for a long-term coastal protection structure project at Pantai Siring, Pulai here.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the construction of a 120-metre rock revetment was scheduled to begin in October and expected to be fully completed by the end of this year.

“This is part of the government’s continuous efforts to address erosion problems in the area, which has been categorised as a moderate erosion zone under the 2024 review of the Integrated Shoreline Management Plan (ISMP) by the DID.

“Pantai Siring currently records an erosion rate of about 3.7 metres per year, a decrease from 6.5 metres in 2015. However, there have been three incidents of collapsed barriers since September 2024, including the latest on June 5,” he told reporters here today.

Earlier, Ab Rauf conducted a visit to the site of the collapsed barrier at Pantai Siring, which was also attended by Serkam assemblyman Datuk Zaidi Attan.

Elaborating further, Ab Rauf said the high tide phenomenon caused seawater to overflow into nearby shrimp farms and agricultural areas, disrupting local economic activities.

“Previously, the state government through DID Melaka carried out short-term repair works involving the installation of jumbo bags, mangrove piling, sandbags and soil embankment at a cost of RM100,000. These efforts temporarily stabilised the affected areas.

“The state government welcomes the approval of this allocation and is committed to ensuring that Melaka’s coastal areas remain protected and sustainable for the wellbeing of the people and the continuity of the local economy,” he said.

-- BERNAMA