The government is prioritising emergency measures to tackle coastal erosion caused by floods and large waves, even though no dedicated emergency fund exists for such incidents, said Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
He explained that while the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) does not maintain a specific emergency fund, urgent action is taken whenever sudden coastal erosion occurs, particularly after unexpected floods or high waves.
“Emergency actions are carried out under the Unforeseen Emergency Works provisions whenever significant erosion happens along the coast,” he said in response to Senator Hussin Ismail’s query about allocations for coastal erosion emergency measures over the past five years.
Under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan, the government approved RM296 million for urgent nationwide measures addressing sudden coastal damage.
Beyond immediate interventions, long-term mitigation projects are also being implemented, combining structural and non-structural approaches to protect coastlines. A total of RM3.53 billion has been allocated for 45 coastal erosion and river mouth projects. Of these, 19 projects are ongoing, 14 are in pre-implementation, five are post-implementation, and seven have been completed.
The Integrated Shoreline Management Plan (ISMP) has also been strengthened, with 20 studies conducted to guide coastal zone planning for state governments, local authorities, and stakeholders.
Terengganu has received the largest allocation for mitigation as of 2025, with RM1.52 billion dedicated to five coastal erosion and eight river mouth projects. One notable initiative is the RM90 million Kuala Nerus project, which combines land reclamation and breakwater construction, with 13 of 16 structures already completed.
Critical areas such as Mengabang Lekar and Batu Rakit continue to face severe wave impacts. Recently, a beachfront guest house valued at nearly RM1 million was nearly destroyed by the waves.
