Malaysia: Johor needs RM1.5bil to protect coastline from erosion

MOHD FARHAAN SHAH The Star 17 Nov 16;

JOHOR BARU: The state government needs RM1.5bil to repair and conduct erosion protection projects along the Johor west coastline.

State Health and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Ayub Rahmat said several areas have been identified for severe erosion including in Muar, Tanjung Piai and Pantai Sungai Lurus at Batu Pahat.

“The works are currently being carried out in several stages as it involved huge amounts of money where we received help through close cooperation between Johor and the Federal Government,” he said when contacted.

Ayub said the increase in sea level together with abnormal weather patterns caused by climate change were the main reasons behind the coastal erosion.

He said that among the works that were being carried out by the government included building a 5km seawall at Pantai Sungai Lurus and a windbreaker at Tanjung Piai.

Ayub added that these methods, including planting mangrove trees, would help protect the coastline.

“The government, through the relevant agencies, will continue to monitor and protect our coastline from erosion,” he said.

On another matter, to address climate change, Ayub added that the government was proactive in ensuring the success of Low Carbon Society Blueprint for Iskandar Malaysia 2025.

He added that through the blueprint, the government aimed to reduce carbon emission by 50% in 2025.

Ayub said Iskandar Regional Development Authority together with five local councils under the economic corridor have been carrying out various programmes to reach the target.

“We have many programmes, including the ecolife challenge, energy and water saving competition, and tree planting projects under the blueprint.

“The government wants to create awareness on the importance of keeping our environment safe for the benefit of our future generation through educating the rakyat, which have been well received by them,” he said.