KUALA NERUS: The popular Tanjung Gelam beach in Mengabang Telipot is facing severe erosion from tidal waves following the north-easterly monsoon.
To arrest the situation, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman has instructed the Drainage and Irrigation Department to carry out remedial works to protect the beach fronting the South China Sea.
“A long term solution, like placing large rocks and concrete, is being looked into to save the coastal village and its surrounding areas from eroding.
“This place is very open towards the sea and is often lashed by strong currents and waves,” said Razif, after a site visit.
As an immediate measure, Razif said the state government has allocated RM500,000 for remedial works.
This in addition to the RM40 million allocation from the federal government to find a permanent solution to the coastal erosion in Tanjung Gelam.
“The federal allocation includes the construction of a wave breaker from the Tok Jembal coastline to here.
“The safety of the residents and fishermen is a priority,” said Razif.
Yesterday, coastal residents of Terengganu have been advised to be on alert for 1.79m high monsoonal tidal waves and strong winds that are expected to lash their villages in the coming days.
Terengganu Civil Defence Force director Lt Col Che Adam Abdul Rahman said that the adverse weather currently experienced by the state is expected to continue, and advised the public to stay away from beaches.
He called on parents to closely monitor their children’s movements during the school holidays, as many would be tempted to play at beaches.
Adam added that the tidal waves could spill over to coastal roads and cautioned motorists to be on their guard.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department has issued a Category Two warning of strong north-easterly winds of 50-60 km per hour and rough seas with waves reaching 4.5 metres overlooking Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Sarawak, Labuan and Sabah.
The department’s website stated that the situation, expected to last until tomorrow, is dangerous for all vessels, including recreational boats, fishing boats and ferries.