Strong waves, wind likely cause of Penang beach erosion, says Exco member

THE beach line erosion in parts of Penang Island is attributed to the high tide phenomenon with much stronger waves compared to previous years, said state executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari.

This has caused the waves to erode the coastline and coupled with stronger than average winds, the waves slammed against the coastline at greater force.

Zairil said that this had caused the sandbags which were installed along the previously affected areas to become unhinged and in some instances, went adrift and changed positions.

This was the immediate conclusion by the Penang Department of Drainage and Irrigation (DID) after a study was conducted on the eroded areas.

The profound impact was felt from the stretch along the Batu Ferringhi beachfront, affecting the Lone Pine to Golden Sands and Rasa Sayang Spa & Resort properties.

Another significant area is in Tanjung Bungah encompassing the area from the Mercure Beach Hotel to the Chinese Swimming Club areas.

"The stronger waves are likely the main cause," said Zairil in a statement.

Hence, he also said that the claims from certain non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that development was the main cause was unfounded.

The reclamation for the Andaman Island, which is part of the Seri Tanjung Pinang  project began more than a decade ago.

The project is said to be the nearest to the erosion.

Zairil said that the Andaman Island developer had also erected a perimeter rock bund to offset possible ill effects from the sand dumping.

There was also no irrigation applied in the same area, he noted.

The additional sand poured into the area was mined from Lumut and Pulau Indah based on the regulations set under the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements, said Zairil.

He cited examples of other reclamation projects such as the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, Gurney Drive and Weld Quay among others.

Such reclamation projects did not affect the nearby beach stretches, he said.

Zairil also reiterated that the mitigation plan by the DID under the 12th Malaysia Plan's fifth rolling plan where RM61 million was allocated, should begin soon.

"I also hope that some NGOs be responsible when issuing statements to avoid sowing confusion among the public," he said. - January 30, 2026.