GEORGE TOWN: The wrath of the northeast monsoon has finally brought down the Baywatch tower in Batu Ferringhi.

       The tower located on the stretch of beach belonging to the Civil Defence Force (APM) had become unstable in December due to the battering waves.

       Northeast district APM operation officer Kapt (PA) Muhammad Aizat Abd Ghani said the tower finally collapsed at about 3.40am yesterday.

       “It was caused by the high-tide phenomenon which started at the end of last year. The structure of the tower finally gave in this morning and collapsed,” he said.

       Since they detected erosion on the foot of the tower last year, APM had cordoned off the area and placed officers in the nearby area to advise the public to stay clear.

       “Our officers will continue to monitor the area. Now, we are waiting for the relevant technical agencies to clear the collapsed structure,” he said.

       Meanwhile, Tanjung Bungah assemblyman Zairil Khir Johari said the erosion first happened on Dec 23, and the high-tide phenomenon early this month had worsen the situation.

       “My service centre together with the relevant agencies and the Penang Island City Council would ensure the collapsed structure is cleared as soon as possible,” he said on social media.

       Zairil, who is also state infrastructure and transportation committee chairman, said the Drainage and Irrigation Department would conduct another site visit to identify a way to mitigate the erosion at the beach.

       “I would like to remind the public and beach-goers to be extra careful when visiting the nearby areas,” he said.