PEKAN: The RM58 million beach erosion control project in Kampung Tanjung Batu, Nenasi, is set to transform the surrounding villages and boost the tourism sector upon its completion in March 2026.
State Local Government, Housing, Environment, and Green Technology Committee chairman Datuk Mohammad Fakhruddin Mohd Ariff said the ongoing reclamation works at Pantai Nenasi will expand and preserve the coastline along the area.
He added that the beach nourishment works covering a 4km length along Pantai Nenasi will curb erosion and create opportunities for tourism activities.
"The erosion worsened four years ago when the shoreline gradually receded towards the beach-facing housing settlements and resorts.
"The Sungai Tering estuary became too shallow for the coastal fishermen and they were forced to push their boats back to shore when returning from sea.
"The ongoing construction of two training walls will deepen the estuary and ensure the navigation channel is safe for fishing boats and suitable for tourism activities," he said when announcing the 150,000 safe manhours without lost time injury at the project site here today.
His speech text was read by Pekan district officer Datuk Zaliza Zulkipli.
Fakhruddin said the new look Nenasi beach in 2026 will boost tourist arrival especially from Singapore, and spur tourism industry players to build chalets and budget hotels to generate job opportunities for the local community.
"I believe the project will change the landscape of Kampung Tanjung Batu and Nenasi. Bukit Tanjung Batu is already popular among the locations for the sighting of 'Syawal' moon and we can expect the area to develop further with new infrastructures," he said.
"It is not only about a beach erosion control project but improving the socio-economic status of the people here. Pantai Nenasi has a lot of potential and I believe once the project is completed, we can expect major transformation happening here," he added.
Meanwhile, Kampung Tanjung Batu Village Safety and Development Committee chairman Mudzafar Abu Samah said the project has given a new lease of life to the villagers at two sea-facing housing settlements who were concerned by the worsening beach erosion.
"We are extremely grateful to the state government and all those responsible for assisting.
These days, fishermen can go out to sea and enter the estuary without any difficulties...the project will have a long-term and huge impact on the some 2,000 villagers here," he said.
The project's main contractor Vista Group has to date achieved 63 percent completion since works began in March last year. Also present today is Vista Group chairman Mohd Ghani Hitam.