BALIK PULAU: Coastal erosion along Pasir Panjang here is getting worse where a 300m stretch of the beach has been washed away.

       The phenomenon of strong waves pounding the shore also destroyed several coconut and Rhu trees, according to a survey carried out by the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP).

       Some 20 trees along the beach are also at risk of uprooting.

       CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader said several buildings of Kem Wawasan Negara near the beach had also been affected as a result of the erosion.

       He said the stairways leading to the beach had also been damaged, adding that boulders were all over the beach.

       In expressing regret and concerns over the situation, CAP said no action has been taken by the authorities so far although it has been ongoing for a while.

       "The environment will be threatened, leading to untoward incidents and endangering public safety if the situation is left unchecked.

       "We urge the Penang government, the local authorities, the state DID (Drainage and Irrigation Department) and the National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia to conduct an investigation and address the root cause of this problem as soon as possible.

       "The relevant parties should also disclose the outcome of the investigation," he said in a statement.