Batu Ferringhi Coastal Erosion Not Caused By Reclamation

GEORGE TOWN, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- Coastal erosion incidents in Batu Ferringhi and along Penang’s northern corridor are not caused by land reclamation or overdevelopment, but are instead driven by natural factors and seasonal weather changes.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) had conducted detailed technical studies at several locations, including Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Tokong and Tanjung Bungah, and confirmed the need for immediate mitigation measures in affected areas.

He said that if erosion were linked to development, it would only involve the Seri Tanjung Pinang area. However, the identified erosion sites are located at least 10 kilometres away from the reclamation area, which was carried out many years ago.

“The erosion does not occur continuously but follows seasonal patterns, with the earliest affected area located in front of the Rasa Sayang Hotel. It does not happen every season, and in some cases, natural processes allow the beach to recover on its own.

“The phenomenon of coastal erosion and recovery is complex and must be addressed based on technical expertise,” he told a press conference here today.

Chow was responding to media reports alleging that overdevelopment near the shoreline and extensive land reclamation were among the causes of worsening erosion in Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah this year.

Previously, Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president R. Meenakshi said mitigation measures such as sandbags and rock placements were not permanent solutions to coastal erosion.

She also expressed concern over the environmental impact at the two locations, which are popular among tourists and residents.

Elaborating on Batu Ferringhi, Chow said the state government had implemented a beach nourishment project six to seven years ago, including the construction of two drainage outflow systems at Sungai Batu and Sungai Emas to prevent flooding in nearby villages.

He said the beachfront at Ferringhi Bay is now showing significant natural recovery and has expanded, serving as a recreational area as well as a venue for food and beverage activities.

“The project involved extending drainage outflows approximately 2,300 metres into the sea, and notably, Ferringhi Bay now has a wide and long stretch of beach formed naturally, without any reclamation activity,” he said.

Meanwhile, State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said claims linking the erosion to the Andaman Island reclamation project were unfounded, as no reclamation works were carried out last year.

He said the project began more than a decade ago, with perimeter protection works implemented from the early stages, while current works involve only the infilling of remaining planned areas.

Zairil said the state government would continue to consult relevant technical agencies to monitor coastal erosion and ensure appropriate mitigation measures are implemented to safeguard the safety and interests of local communities.

“Non-governmental organisations should be more responsible in presenting views to the public and should not make excessive claims that are unfounded and unsupported by facts,” he said.

-- BERNAMA