BANTING, Nov 6 — The Kuala Langat Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) has refuted claims that the coastal erosion at Pantai Morib 2 was primarily caused by a conservation project.
Its district engineer Mohd Hasrulhisham Abdullah said that instead, consultant-led studies revealed the erosion was caused by natural factors such as high tides, storms, and strong winds that produced unusually large waves.
“Based on the consultant’s study, the conservation project itself has not left a significant impact, so we cannot blame the ongoing project. In fact, without this project, Pantai Morib might have suffered as well,” he said during a recent site visit with Media Selangor.
Previously, Media Selangor received complaints from residents about coastal erosion at Pantai Morib 2, which they claimed was caused by a breakwater component of the Pantai Morib Conservation Project located about 1km away.
A visit to the site found visible signs of erosion less than 20m from the road, with large tree roots exposed and the embankment rendered increasingly unstable.
According to Hasrulhisham, the high-tide phenomenon isn’t new at Pantai Morib, although its impact on the recreational area is more pronounced now.
He said JPS will submit a long-term action proposal to the state government to address the issue, with implementation to start next year.
In the meantime, immediate measures are being taken through emergency response efforts, including clean-up in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, Kuala Langat Municipal Council (MPKL) engineer Khairul Darini said among the immediate measures being taken include efforts to protect public assets like streetlights by building temporary retaining barriers.
He added that MPKL has also installed warning signs for visitors and disseminated information on social media about the high tide and storm conditions.
