University offers temporary accommodation for erosion-hit villagers

KUALA NERUS: Universiti Malaysia Terengganu has offered temporary accommodation to the people of three Terengganu villages rendered unsafe by critical coastal erosion.
Its vice-chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Nor Aieni Mokhtar, said UMT could take in between 60 and 70 people from Kampung Kolam, Kampung Gelam and Kampung Tengah in Mengabang Telipot here pending their relocation.
She said UMT studies showed that the erosion caused by the waves during the annual monsoon season had narrowed the coastline and made the villages unsafe for living in.
She advised the villagers to remain alert and be prepared to evacuate immediately if the need arose.
Nor Aieni also said all quarters, including the state government, villagers and related agencies, should cooperate to find a solution to the critical problem.
"For the moment, there is no 'one size fits all' solution to the problem. The studies done cannot provide an immediate solution. If we build a wavebreaker, it can create problems for the fishermen.
"It involves a high cost, and can only check the erosion for a short period," she said to reporters after a visit to the villages yesterday.
Meanwhile, villager Mohd Yahya Muda, 54, said his house had been critically hit by the erosion.
"I have lived here for more than 10 years and this year the erosion has been the worst. The toilet at the rear of my house has been badly damaged and can no longer be used.
"My family may have to look for temporary accommodation if this area is no longer safe for dwelling," he said. — Bernama