The Penang government, through the state Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), has taken proactive steps to address coastal erosion affecting Batu Ferringhi, Teluk Bahang and Tanjong Bungah.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state DID has completed technical reports on the affected coastal areas.
“For stretches near Bayview Hotel, Lone Pine, Golden Sands and Shangri-La in Batu Ferringhi, the state DID will implement short-term mitigation measures, including the placement of sandbags in areas impacted by erosion,” he said.
Chow added that for Tanjong Bungah, where erosion has affected the beach areas around the Mercure Hotel, Skyhome Apartment, and the Chinese Swimming Club, a detailed technical report has also been completed.
“The department is now in the process of securing the necessary funding to carry out immediate mitigation works,” he said.
Chow also emphasised that not all erosion is caused by reclamation or development activities.
“Not all coastal erosion is the result of land reclamation or development. Weather patterns and natural processes also play a significant role,” he told a press conference at Komtar today when responding to questions on the issue.
Meanwhile, Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari recently said that the state DID has applied for federal funding under the 2026 allocation as part of ongoing efforts to mitigate coastal erosion in identified areas.
Zairil also revealed that the state DID is currently reviewing the Penang Integrated Shoreline Management Plan (ISMP), with the study expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2027.
“The study will serve as a key reference for the state government to identify beaches vulnerable to erosion, enabling more systematic and comprehensive planning and implementation of preventive measures,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan