THE Batu Ferringhi coastline, one of Penang’s popular tourist destinations, continues to face severe erosion, raising concerns among the public.
In response, the Federal Government has approved an allocation of RM61 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan for a long-term coastal protection project, covering Batu Ferringhi and Tanjong Bungah.
While awaiting the implementation of this long-term project, the Penang government, through the state Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), has requested emergency funding from DID Malaysia to carry out short-term mitigation measures.
Buletin Mutiara met with a few individuals to get their comments about this issue.
One of them, Muhammad Kuala Lumpur, 57, a visiting businessman who recently returned to Batu Ferringhi after a long time, was shocked by the severe beach erosion.
“I used to come here often, but it has been a long time since my last visit. When I arrived, I was shocked and very disappointed.
“Back then, the beach used to look longer and wider, but now it has shrunk significantly.
“Batu Ferringhi is a beautiful beach and one of the main attractions in Penang.
“Action must be taken immediately to fix this issue before it gets worse,” Muhammad said.
Muhammad also raised concerns about the sandbags placed as a temporary erosion control measure, saying some were already torn and broken, posing hazards to visitors.
“The authorities need to settle the sandbag issue quickly because it is dangerous for tourists.
“It is sad to see children and families unable to enjoy the beach like before,” he added.
Following this incident (beach erosion), state Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, in a written answer to Buletin Mutiara, said that JPS Malaysia has approved an emergency funding of RM250,000 for the installation of sandbags at the affected areas along the Batu Ferringhi coastline.
“The procurement process has been completed, and a briefing for the appointed contractor will be conducted next week, followed by physical works, which are expected to begin soon,” Zairil stated.
Meanwhile, a senior citizen from the United Kingdom, who travels to Penang three times a year, has expressed deep concerns over the worsening beach erosion in Batu Ferringhi, calling it a ‘heartbreaking sight.’
The tourist, who has been visiting Penang for years, arrived on March 20, only to witness a section of the beach near Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort collapse, posing a danger to pedestrians.
“I always stay at Shangri-La Golden Sands, but this time, the situation at Rasa Sayang Resort is the worst I have seen because there is barely any beach left.
“It is worrying because people still walk along that path, not realising how dangerous it is,” she said.
Story by Lim Min Jun
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat