GEORGE TOWN: Despite mitigation measures taken in the last four years to soften nature’s wrath, the coastal erosion at Batu Ferringhi has continued to give residents and traders sleepless nights.
Since 2021, the beach has remained an eyesore and danger to visitors as pounding waves continue to batter the seafront, dredging out buried giant sandbags.
Many are now worried about their safety, just as businesses along that particular stretch are.
“It was such a beautiful beach. The pounding waves come at night when the tide is usually higher.
“Every morning, we come and see yet a little more destruction. More and more of the sand on the beach is washed away every night,” said a beach boy who wanted to be known only as Faiz.
The sandbags, he said, seemed like a great idea when they were first buried in the beach, but they started to tear due to the strong waves.
“It now seems like a waste of money. The waves are pretty strong at night,” he said.
Faiz said he was quick to caution visitors who like to stand on the edges of the giant sandbags to look out to sea because they are no longer sturdy, and he is worried visitors could fall should the sandbags give way.
Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, and Golden Sands Resort communications director Datuk Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman said guests of the hotels located along the stretch of beach had raised concerns about the erosion.
“We received numerous comments from our foreign guests.
“However, it is reassuring that the state has taken measures to address the issue. These efforts not only prevent further erosion but also enhance the experience for all our guests,” he said.
“The preservation of the beach is crucial, and it is wonderful to know that they are actively working to maintain the beauty and accessibility of Batu Feringghi.”
State infrastructure committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said a major mitigation plan estimated to cost RM49.5mil is in the works to deal with the beach erosion.
“The hydrographic studies from Bayview Beach Hotel to Tanjung Bungah beach span a length of 8km.
“There are several potential reasons for this erosion, including natural cycles, but the rate of erosion here is higher than before.
“Land reclamation can be a cause as the natural flow of currents and sedimentation is disrupted,” he said.
“Coastal developments like the construction of hotels and seawalls near the shoreline interfere with natural movements of sand and contribute to erosion as well.”
Zairil said climate change, resulting in rising sea levels and increasing storm frequency and intensity, also contributed to the environmental issue.
He said the giant sandbags that fortified the beach were installed in three phases throughout 2022, covering a length of 242m.
However, the beach containers were a temporary measure pending the implementation of a long-term solution, he said.
“I applied to the Federal Government for funding for the long-term measure and it was approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
“The tender for the hydrographic surveys will open at the end of this month.
“Works will include the construction of outfalls, breakwaters, beach nourishment and riverbank stabilisation works, subject to detailed engineering designs.
“Once this is completed, it will resolve the issue,” he said, adding that the project is expected to start next year.
In the meantime, he said, authorities plan to install more sandbags along the affected areas as a short-term measure.
“The state Irrigation and Drainage Department has requested emergency funds from its headquarters and is awaiting approval,” he said.
