GEORGE TOWN, January 30 — The Penang State Government has acknowledged growing public concern over severe coastal erosion affecting Batu Ferringhi and Tanjong Bungah, describing the situation as serious due to its impact on beach safety, aesthetics, tourism activities, and public use.
According to the state Exco for Infrastructure, Transport and Digital, Zairil Khir Johari, the erosion—while a recurring natural phenomenon during the Northeast Monsoon—has worsened this year, prompting the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) to investigate contributing factors and implement immediate mitigation measures.
Short-term actions include the placement of additional sandbags at affected stretches in Batu Ferringhi, while technical reports for erosion hotspots in Tanjong Bungah have been completed to support urgent mitigation funding applications.
For long-term solutions, the Federal Government has approved a RM61 million coastal protection project under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12), involving outfall construction and anti-erosion structures. Preparatory works, including hydrographic surveys.
Have been completed, with consultant appointments expected to be finalised by February 2026, ahead of physical works. Responding to claims that land reclamation projects, including Pulau Andaman, are the cause of the erosion, Zairil firmly rejected the allegations as unfounded.
JPS findings attribute the erosion to unusually high tidal conditions and stronger waves this year, not reclamation activities, which have been regulated under approved Environmental Impact Assessments. He urged all parties, including NGOs.
To act responsibly and avoid spreading unverified claims that could mislead the public, stressing that mitigation efforts are ongoing to ensure Penang’s coastline remains safe and sustainable.
