Melaka: The Federal Government, through the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), has approved an allocation of RM1.5 million for a long-term coastal protection structure project at Pantai Siring, Pulai here. Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh announced that the construction of a 120-metre rock revetment is scheduled to begin in October and is expected to be fully completed by the end of this year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to address erosion problems in the area, which has been categorised as a moderate erosion zone under the 2024 review of the Integrated Shoreline Management Plan (ISMP) by the DID. Pantai Siring currently experiences an erosion rate of about 3.7 metres per year, a reduction from 6.5 metres in 2015. Despite this improvement, there have been three incidents of collapsed barriers since September 2024, including the most recent one on June 5.

Earlier, Ab Rauf visited the site of the collapsed barrier at Pantai Siring, accompanied by Serkam assemblyman Datuk Zaidi Attan. He explained that the high tide phenomenon has caused seawater to overflow into nearby shrimp farms and agricultural areas, affecting local economic activities. Previously, the state government, through DID Melaka, carried out short-term repair works involving the installation of jumbo bags, mangrove piling, sandbags, and soil embankment at a cost of RM100,000. These measures temporarily stabilised the affected areas.

Ab Rauf expressed that the state government welcomes the approval of this allocation and is committed to ensuring that Melaka’s coastal areas remain protected and sustainable for the wellbeing of the people and the continuity of the local economy.