Coastal erosion threat and the adaptation of coastal communities in Malaysia: A case study of Kampung Kemeruk, Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Coastal areas are environmentally sensitive areas where local inhabitants and ecosystem may be exposed to various threats of erosion . This study identified forms of adaptation adopted by the coastal community of Kampung Kemeruk, Kelantan in coping with the environmental threats posed by coastal erosion while maintaining their every day life. Primary data were gathered from a field survey of 83 household heads whose households were liable to the adverse impact of coastal erosion in their locality. The findings revealed three stages of community adaptation. The short term adaptation saw the embankment of the coastal front with sand bags to break the initial impact of the wave onslaught. The medium term adaptation was house renovation and the planting of trees considered suitable for resisting and withstanding coastal erosion for as long as five years. The long term adaptation was moving houses to new and safer sites .