COASTAL EROSION IN TANJUNG BUNGAH

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) is concerned of erosion of the beach in Tanjung Bungah. We urge the Penang State Government and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) to immediately investigate the cause of the coastal erosion here.

SAM’s survey here found that coastal erosion is quite significant. A nearby resident whom SAM met said that the erosion problem has occurred since 2016, and complained that the DID not take effective action to address the problem despite complaints by residents in the area.

In addition to complaints from residents, Nelayan Tanjung Tokong in their Facebook page had voiced concerns of the fishermen of Tanjung Bungah on the worsening coastal erosion in their area.

SAM is concerned that if this issue is not addressed immediately, the erosion problem will be increasingly difficult to tackle if the area is constantly exposed to strong winds and battering waves.

If this situation is allowed to persist without any appropriate action to curb the problem of erosion,  it will affect the quality of life of the local and fisher communities here. The impact of erosion will not only destroy properties but also threaten the people living and depending on coastal areas.

Hence SAM urges the State Government and DID to take immediate action to investigate and resolve the problem of coastal erosion in Tanjung Bungah.

Media Statement, 14 June 2017