GEORGE TOWN: Gone are the days when holidaymakers could drive onto the beach in Tanjung Bungah and conveniently lay out their picnics or even barbecues.

       One of the popular beach fronts here, which has a hard-packed 500m sandy shore that cars can traverse, became a favourite haunt of travellers looking for some fun in the sun after interstate travel was allowed.

       But their reverie became a nightmare for seaside residents and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) had to barricade the public access at the end of Medan Tanjung Bungah to stop motorists from entering.

       “We got complaints from the public about the increasing number of cars driving onto the sand.

       “This destroys the patches of grass growing on the upper levels of the beach that make the sand firm enough for cars to drive on,” said city councillor Connie Tan.

       After checks and frequent monitoring, Tan said that MBPP found that the complaints were valid and thus barricaded the access. You can still walk to the beach, but you need to park your vehicle elsewhere now.

       “We previously fixed a ‘no entry’ sign at the entrance but drivers ignored it and drove in anyway.

       “One of the reasons we barricaded the entrance is because many who drove in do not park their cars properly and create a danger for people walking around,” she added.

       Tanjung Bungah assemblyman Zairil Khir Johari, who is also state transport committee chairman, said visitors are not supposed to drive onto beaches.

       “This ruins the grounds and endangers beachgoers.

       The barriers were erected due to strong requests by residents and beachgoers,” he said.

       A resident living along the road leading to this beach said residents were glad that the barriers were installed.

       “On weekends, we get many so cars going in and out and this disturbs the peace. At night, we can hear them blasting loud music from their car radios. With the barriers, we hope such disturbances will gradually be reduced,” she added.