GEORGE TOWN: The worsening beach erosion in Batu Ferringhi has reached a critical stage and can no longer be treated as a seasonal issue, warns Penang MCA chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng.
Calling for greater transparency over a RM61mil coastal recovery project approved in early 2026, Tan said there had been "no meaningful update" on its implementation over the past three months despite worsening erosion along the shoreline.
"The state government installed more sandbags as a temporary mitigation measure.
"In February, it was reported that the Federal government had approved approximately RM61mil under the 12th Malaysia Plan for a long-term coastal recovery project covering a 3km stretch involving Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah.
"However, despite worsening erosion, there have been no meaningful updates on the implementation of the project over the past three months," he said in a statement on Tuesday (May 26).
Tan, who is also MCA vice-president, said recent incidents involving decades-old trees toppling along Batu Ferringhi beach showed the need for urgency.
"MCA is urging the DAP-led Penang state government to provide a transparent update on the status of the project.
"Immediate and sustainable measures must be implemented to protect both the environment and the local tourism economy before the situation deteriorates further.
"Preserving Batu Ferringhi is not merely about protecting a beach but safeguarding one of Penang's most important tourism and natural assets.
"If urgent action is not taken, continued erosion will threaten public safety, damage the coastal ecosystem and affect the livelihoods of residents and businesses that rely heavily on tourism.
"With the monsoon season expected within weeks, the state government must treat this matter with urgency," he said.
Tan added that Batu Ferringhi not only attracts hundreds of thousands of local and foreign tourists annually, contributing significantly to the hospitality, retail, food and transportation sectors, the area also supports numerous hotels, resorts, restaurants, night markets and tourism operators that provide employment and income opportunities for local communities.
"Any further deterioration of the beach will weaken Penang's tourism image and undermine the confidence of tourists and investors alike.
"At a time when regional tourism destinations are becoming increasingly competitive, Penang cannot afford to neglect one of its strongest attractions.
"Environmental protection and economic development must go hand in hand.
"Residents deserve a proactive state government that delivers concrete action instead of endless studies while the coastline continues to deteriorate," he said.
