KUANTAN: The Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has urged the state government to take immediate and serious action to address coastal erosion to safeguard the well-being and interests of the people.
His Royal Highness expressed deep concern over the worsening erosion, particularly in the Padang Api-Api area along the Pekan-Nenasi road, where the situation has become increasingly critical.
"Based on my observation during a helicopter ride to Rompin, I captured images showing that about 300 acres (121ha) of land have already been lost to sea erosion.
"The main road is now dangerously close to the coastline – it's only a matter of time.
"If urgent action is not taken, there is a significant risk that the road could be swallowed by the sea within the next three to five years," Al-Sultan Abdullah said when opening the new Kampung Marhum Mosque, which has been named the Saidina Uthman Ibnu Affan Mosque, in Pekan.
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The speech was uploaded on the Sultanate of Pahang's official Facebook page.
In January, media reports highlighted coastal erosion at Sungai Lumpur in Kampung Jawa, Rompin, where high tides had worsened the problem, affecting over 50 residents.
The affected community has urged the government to upgrade existing breakwaters, as they are no longer sufficient to prevent erosion during the north-east monsoon season and periods of high tides. – Bernama
