Penang exco Zairil says high tides and strong winds caused recent coastal erosion, dismissing claims that land reclamation was the primary cause.
GEORGE TOWN: Recent severe coastal erosion at Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah was caused by a high-tide phenomenon, a state executive councillor confirmed.
Penang Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said an official Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) report identified the cause.
He said this year’s high tides increased wave heights by about two feet compared to the previous year.
READ MORE: Penang dismisses reclamation claims over Batu Ferringhi erosion
“These factors have been identified as the main cause of the erosion,” Zairil said in a statement.
He dismissed allegations that land reclamation works were the primary cause of worsening erosion.
Zairil explained that reclamation on Andaman Island began over a decade ago with a protective perimeter rock bund.
Current works only involve filling remaining areas within that long-existing structure.
The sand used is sourced from Pulau Indah and Lumut, not dredged near the affected coastlines.
“If the reclamation works were the cause of erosion, the effects would have been evident 10 years ago,” he said.
He cited many historical reclamation projects that did not cause surrounding erosion.
Examples include the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone and Gurney Drive.
Zairil said safety and technical measurements were properly considered in those projects.
Mitigation measures for the Batu Ferringhi erosion are being addressed by JPS.
The works fall under the 12th Malaysia Plan Rolling Plan 5 with an allocation of RM61 million. – Bernama
