THE oldest resident of Kampung Sungai Punggur, Majid Surin, has concluded that nothing could be done to bring back the glory days of Punggur Beach in Batu Pahat.
The 80-year-old had seen it all, as he lives just a stone's throw from the beach.
Severe erosion along the coast, which began six years ago, has driven tourists away from the once-popular recreational spot.
Almost 100 metres of the beach had been washed away by pounding waves in just five years.
Fortunately, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage was quick to act.
Two sets of embankments and wave breakers, costing RM1.7 million, had been built since last year.
The structure stretched about a kilometre long.
And although the embankments have proven effective, the number of tourists was still declining.
"There is nothing spectacular about rocks and concrete walls. Visitors do not come from afar just to look at them," said Majid.
All that remains now is six dilapidated shoplots, three food stalls, where lovebirds have tea in the evening, and a broken toilet.
While sipping a cup of coffee, Majid reminisced on how people used to flock to the beach.
He said families and friends, young and old, would often spread mats on the beach's pristine white sand and sit for hours.
"People from all over the country and foreigners, especially Singaporeans, would gather here to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the beach," he said.
In 2007, a three-year plan to develop 3.2ha of the beach was unveiled, in an effort to rejuvenate the area as a top tourist destination.
The RM6.7 million project, undertaken by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage and the National Landscape Department, includes building a futsal arena, 30 chalets and camping sites.
Rengit state assemblyman Ayub Jamil, who announced the project, said such facilities were needed to draw tourists back to Punggur Beach.
However, another local, Ismail Ahmad, 34, said something must be done immediately to bring back the tourists.
He said by the time the project is completed, people might have forgotten the existence of Punggur Beach, despite its popularity in yesteryears.
"I am a local and I want to see the beach back in its glorious days.
"It is sad to see what was once "the place" for the people of Batu Pahat reduced to being nothing more than an eatery," said the trader.
Majid wondered if he would ever live long enough to see people flocking back to the beach.
"I remember the cooling shade of trees and the gentle breeze providing a calming experience for visitors. If you were there at that time, you would be surprised.
"But now, all that is fading away.
"I don't know whether I would live long enough to see visitors returning to Punggur Beach," he said.
