Coastal erosion is damaging Tanjung Asam beach in Gertak Sanggul, a fishing village on Penang Island’s southwestern coast, with parts of its shoreline defence and public facilities at risk.
The beach, once known for its clean sand, has gradually been worn down by strong waves, while sections of the stone embankment built as a wave barrier have crumbled, NST reported.
Fisherman Aim Chin Seng, 35, said the damage had been noticeable for several years but had worsened recently. The stone embankment built as a wave barrier was badly damaged by strong waves, he said.
“There used to be a platform made of stone structures here to help fishermen manage their boats and land their catch. However, it collapsed about three years ago, while the embankment here has also been damaged,” he told NST.
Aim said rocks tied together to form the wave barrier had also collapsed, making it difficult for fishermen to secure their boats. Some fishermen had lodged complaints with their elected representative, seeking a solution to protect the damaged shoreline structure.
“We previously spent more than RM1,000 of our own money to buy cement to repair the structure, but it was damaged again shortly afterwards by strong waves. There used to be sand here and people came to enjoy it, but now the area has been covered by erosion. We hope immediate and effective action will be taken for everyone’s safety,” he said.
Checks by NST found sections of the embankment damaged and riddled with holes, while the shoreline damage had also affected the previously built Pusat Bencana Laut.
About 100 metres from the fishermen’s boat area, two rest shelters believed to belong to the Drainage and Irrigation Department appeared at risk of collapsing. Their floors were broken after the sand beneath them was washed away by waves, while several supporting pillars were damaged and bent. A tree was also found close to falling because of the damage.
Visitor Mohd Fauzi Ali, 31, from Pokok Sena in Kedah, said the erosion was clearly visible during his first visit to the beach.
“The erosion is clearly visible and the waves here are quite strong. I am worried that eventually this place will disappear. I hope repair work can be carried out for the benefit of visitors,” he said.
Another visitor, Osman Yasin, 46, who had brought family members and friends, including an elderly wheelchair user, to enjoy the beach scenery, called for immediate repairs to the damaged rest shelters.
“At first, I did not notice that the rest shelter had been damaged by erosion. It should be repaired immediately so visitors can use it for shelter,” he said.
