GEORGE TOWN, July 14 -- A RM500,000 coastal erosion mitigation project is underway at Batu Ferringhi as a temporary measure to protect the popular beach while awaiting a permanent solution.

State infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) has begun installing beach containers along the stretch in front of Lone Pine Hotel to reduce wave impact, slow erosion and protect the most critically affected section of the shoreline.

The works began on July 8 and are expected to be completed by August 10.

"Based on DID's technical assessment, this mitigation measure is expected to be effective for around two to three years, depending on weather conditions, wave a...