The Penang infrastructure, transport and digital executive councillor said the sandbags would be installed along a 44m stretch – identified as the area most severely affected by coastal erosion – to reduce the impact of waves on the shoreline.

The project will cost RM500,000, he said.

“It is a medium-term mitigation plan which will be effective for two to three years, depending on weather conditions.

“It is a temporary solution until an approved long-term coastal erosion protection project is implemented,” he said in a statement.

In January, Zairil said the DID was investigating the cause of the worsening coastal erosion in Batu Ferringhi, which had drawn serious attention due to its impact on beach aesthetics, visitor safety and local tourism activities.

Today, Zairil said they are not taking any chances as prolonged delays in the mitigation works could see the erosion spread further inland.

However, he said that high tides could delay the installation of these sandbags as it could only be done during low tide.