Penang’s coastal erosion is driven by natural weather patterns, not reclamation, with technical studies confirming the need for targeted mitigation measures.
GEORGE TOWN: Coastal erosion along Batu Ferringhi and Penang’s northern coast is not caused by land reclamation or overdevelopment.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the incidents are driven by natural factors and seasonal weather changes.
He said detailed technical studies by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage confirmed the need for immediate mitigation in affected areas.
Chow stated that if development were the cause, it would only involve the Seri Tanjung Pinang area.
The identified erosion sites are located at least 10 kilometres away from any reclamation area.
“The erosion does not occur continuously but follows seasonal patterns,” Chow told a press conference.
He said the earliest affected area was in front of the Rasa Sayang Hotel.
Chow noted the beach sometimes recovers naturally through complex coastal processes.
His comments respond to media reports linking worsening erosion to shoreline development.
Previously, Sahabat Alam Malaysia president R. Meenakshi said sandbags and rocks were not permanent solutions.
She expressed concern over the environmental impact at the popular tourist spots.
Elaborating on Batu Ferringhi, Chow said a beach nourishment project was implemented six to seven years ago.
The project included constructing two drainage outflow systems at Sungai Batu and Sungai Emas.
He said this was to prevent flooding in nearby villages.
Chow said the beachfront at Ferringhi Bay is now showing significant natural recovery.
He noted it has expanded and serves as a recreational and dining area.
“The project involved extending drainage outflows approximately 2,300 metres into the sea,” he said.
Chow emphasised that Ferringhi Bay’s wide beach formed naturally without reclamation.
State Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said claims linking erosion to the Andaman Island project were unfounded.
He stated no reclamation works were carried out last year.
Zairil said the project began over a decade ago with perimeter protection from the start.
Current works only involve infilling remaining planned areas.
He said the state will consult technical agencies to monitor erosion and implement mitigation.
Zairil urged NGOs to be more responsible and avoid unfounded claims.
