The Malaysian Mangrove Research Alliance and Network (MyMangrove) was established in recognition of the needs for a collaborative effort to significantly influence the management and conservation of mangrove forests through research and education. MyMangrove brings scientists and researchers together, to join forces in exploration and enhancement of scientific knowledge on mangroves and their connecting habitats and ecosystems. The goal of the establishment of MyMangrove is chiefly to close the gap and create a functional and efficient scientific networking among scientists and researchers. It also anticipates at improving public communications on mangrove-related issues and to influence the landscape of policies and regulations pertaining to mangrove management and conservation, particularly in the context of Malaysia. Ultimately, MyMangrove aims at being a strategic platform for the local communities, NGOs, students, corporate sectors and government agencies to collaborate with the multi- and inter-disciplinary group of scientists and researchers from universities and agencies on all matters concerning mangroves and their interconnectedness with other coastal and marine habitats.

This article analyzed the roughness coefficient pf polyurethane-bonded revetment (PBR) by laboratory testing. A wave basin was constructed, with a regular wave generator installed. Three types of revetments were constructed at the same time in the wave basin. Scales were painted on the revetments. Video cameras were installed to record the wave run-up. Measurements of wave height and wave period during the tests were not necessary, since a run-up estimation was entirely based on a linear relationship. The PBR's roughness coefficient could be interpolated from those f rock and concrete revetments. Three revetment solpes were tested. The roughness coefficient of the PBR was found to be in the range of 0.632 - 0.674, with a standard deviation of 0.042 - 0.053. Following this identification of the roughness coefficient of PBR, coastal engineers can design revetment crest elevations with confidence.

KerachutBeach is a beautiful beach in Penang National Park (PNP). However, this beach is categorised as one of dangerous beach for swimming activities in Malaysia due to the drowning incidents reported almost every year. The steep beach slope and rip current were among the factors that lead to this incident. Using bathymetry profile, current, tidal and sediment data collected at site incorporated with UKMO wave data analysis, the hydrodynamic pattern was simulated using Mike 21 modelling software. Result from the model showed the evidence of rip current existence along the coastline. It showed that this rip current events occurred during spring tide phase when the flow change from Flood to Ebb. During this period, the current tends to move parallel to the shoreline with maximum speed of 0.3m/s which is capable to swipe away a swimmer. The bathymetry profile at Kerachut is very steep and dangerous to swimmers since there is a 4-meter sudden plunge just meters away from the shoreline.

The occurrence of natural hazard is increasing in frequency and brings with it various impacts on coastal areas, such as coastal erosion along the shoreline of Malaysia. The study of National Coastal Erosion Study (NCES) in 2015 revealed that 8840 km of shoreline in Malaysia with 1,347.6 km were subjected to erosion. The present study selected seven locations in Kuala Terengganu since Terengganu is exposed to the northeast monsoon which could potentially cause coastal erosion. In order to identify the changes in the shoreline of the selected study areas, 2014 SPOT-5 and 2016 WorldView-3 images were processed using ArcGIS software to determine the shoreline changes and to categorise the erosion which has occurred. Results show that the erosion in Zone B is more dynamic compared to that in Zone A, as shown by the highest rate 8.04% of erosion from Pantai Rhu extending to Pantai Marang. Erosion in Pantai Batu Buruk and Kuala Ibai, respectively with Zone A dominated by the anthropogenic and natural factors, while Zone B dominantly by natural factor only. Therefore, finding an empirical study of analyses the shoreline erosion in Malaysian monsoon environment might provide valuable information for the shoreline erosion in Malaysian monsoon environment might provide valuable information for sustainability coastal management.

Marudu Bay is the largest bay in Malaysia where the opening of the bay mouth is about 34 km in width, and the bay territorial water area is estimated to be around 900 km2 while the digitized shoreline length measured about 246 km. The bay experiences mixed tidal forces from two (2) seas i.e., the South China Sea on the western region and the Sulu Sea on the eastern side. The geo-morphological features inside the bay is dynamically formed where sandy beaches dominated the foreshore of the bay mouth and muddy shores with escalating mangroves colonies the inner part of the bay. The dominant hydrodynamic forces acting on Marudu Bay is Northeast Monsoon (NEM) where it carries most rain from November until March every year. During Southwest monsoon, it carries drier air that flown through the bay. In this study primary physical marine data was collected inside Marudu Bay in order to understand the hydrodynamic condition inside the bay during NEM period. Since this measurement is the first primary record of physical parameters monitoring effort inside Marudu Bay to date, this finding will astonishingly become an important reference in understanding the dynamic of physical forces in relation with the ecosystem functions and the prominent role of the bay towards the socio – economic stability shared by the three (3) districts around the bay, i.e., Kota Marudu, Kudat and Pitas.

Since 2008, Kuala Nerus has undergone rapid urbanization along its coastline, resulting in the loss of sand along the littoral zone. Due to the heavy erosion in 2012 at Tok Jembal beach that migrated to Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) beach in 2013, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage has implemented a coastal defence project to mitigate erosion by building a series of ripraps/revetments along the coasts. Additionally, breakwaters and groyne structures were built in combination with beach nourishment programme. For the sustenance of the local fishermen community, the Malaysia Public Works Department replaced one of the breakwaters to a jetty-type breakwater at Tok Jembal beach. Shoreline evaluations, beach profile measurements and numerical modelling were used in this present study to identify the effectiveness of combining the coastal defence and beach nourishment programmes. The combination of programmes successfully initiated the accretion of a ~30 m beach dune and created new beaches. However, erosion remains persistent in the beach that was unprotected and exposed directly to the South China Sea. We posit that a combination of coastal defence and beach nourishment programmes can potentially interrupt dynamic coastal processes, especially the current parameters.

Terengganu coasts tend to dual monsoonal as presenting Northeast Monsoon (NEM) as a storm season and Southwest Monsoon (SWM) as a calm season. The area of interest is a groyne in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu on east part of Peninsular Malaysia. The use of numerical model was performed on the dual monsoon seasons with MIKE 21 modules (Spectral Wave FM and Flow Model Hydrodynamic FM modules). Two numerical model were set up according to the two seasons. The resulting model indicates, the current circulation pattern consisted of persistent eddy re-circulation in the lee of the groyne during both seasons. As the longshore current directed into the groyne, it deflected offshore resulting in rip current along the groyne. The rip current and incoming wave converge at the tip of the groyne and flow parallel to coastline before being projected onshore performing a re-circulation cell. During NEM, the model shows a clockwise re-circulation cell and counterclockwise formation during SWM. The formation of the rip current and eddy circulation is associated with erosion event as the sediment transported offshore causing sediment shortage on the adjacent shore. The importance of this study can be a reference to any development of coastal defense monsoon dominated environment.

The storm surge event of 1988 that affected the East Coast of Peninsular of Malaysia has produced significantly high water levels that caused severe flooding and destruction to coastal mitigation structures. A 28-year analysis of recorded water level data (1986 to 2013), from the southern coast of Thailand to the south-eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, show that the surge level was highest in the 80’s, started to decline in late 90’s, and slowly increased later in the twentieth century. Maximum surge was recorded in 1988 at Paknam Bangnara station in southern region of Thailand (max. storm surge, SSmax = 1.42 m) and Geting (SSmax = 0.93 m) in the north-eastern region of Peninsular Malaysia which resulted in a high erosion rate along these coasts. This paper explores the consequences of storm surge increment on the vulnerability of present coastal resources and shoreline protection structures along the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The study reveals an increasing magnitude of storm surge and mean sea level increment in all the stations over the years which conform with the sea level rise assessment in IPCC AR5. Storm surge trends and the correlation between the stations are also investigated. Storm surge levels corresponding to various return periods are derived as a guideline for engineers and developers to determine the optimum level in their design.

Tanjung Piai, Johor, Malaysia, is a ramsar site, located at the southern-most tip of mainland Asia, and consists mainly of mudflats and mangrove forests. The coast has experienced severe erosion for several decades, in spite of the construction of various coastal defense structures. The reported rates of shoreline retreat were between 2 to 4 m/year. Hydrodynamic modeling using 2008 field data indicate that the maximum current speed observed along the east coast of Tanjung Piai ranges from 0.2 - 0.5 m/s, while the west coast experiences lower current speeds of less than 0.2 m/s. Strong currents occur at the tip of Tanjung Piai with a speed of 0.5 to 0.8 m/s. The simulation also indicates that some local current patterns are formed near the tip due to the presence of a small island as the flow entering the study area during flooding were reflected to the east while the flow during the ebb tide tend to move toward the opposite direction. Wave simulations show that most of the waves come from Singapore and the Straits of Malacca, with amplitudes of over 1.5 m, are reduced to less than 0.8 m as they travel towards Tanjong Piai coast. These local hydrodynamic conditions, combined with the existence of regular ship wakes, are believed to be the reason for the intensive erosion at Tanjung Piai. Model simulations incorporating the proposed coastal protection measures indicated positive and negative impacts of the hydrodynamic changes around the study area. The results shown that the magnitude of the current speed and wave height would be reduced in the area behind the structures but slightly increased on the other parts of the coast. These changes will determine the sediment transport movement in the area. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the hydrodynamic characteristics before implementing any kind of coastal protection measures because they may protect some area from erosion, but may not be favourable to the other parts of the coast. ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS: Navigation, coastal inlets, numerical wave modeling, nearshore wave processe

The states of Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak in the north-west of Peninsular Malaysia have a total coastline of 550 km of which almost 40% are adjacent to agricultural lands. Parts of these lands were once intertidal and following their conversion into agricultural land, have been protected from the sea by coastal embankments since the 1950s. Extreme tides and wave erosion used to be the known hazards to these coastal lands, but over the past two decades sea level rise and the tsunami of 2004 have emerged as additional threats. A predicted sea level rise of 0.52 m by 2100 and a tsunami inundation distance exceeding 1000 m inshore have raised concerns as to the sustainability of existing coastal defenses, hinterland communities and economic activities. The combined impacts of both sea level rise and tsunami have made the north-west coastline the most vulnerable to coastal erosion and flooding. This paper compiles the findings of two key studies that assessed these coastal threats and determined the scientific basis for adaptive measures. The findings of the studies indicate that the north-west coast is the most vulnerable coast in Peninsular Malaysia. The paper also presents the physical impacts of these threats and the proposed adaptive strategies to mitigate them. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Urban Stormwater Management Manual for Malaysia (MSMA) was published in 2001 by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), which promotes Best Management Practices (BMPs) aimed at stormwater management at the source. The construction of detention ponds has been strongly encouraged for water quantity control for new housing developments. This study focuses on the evaluation, using the InfoWorks Collection Systems (CS) model, of the effectiveness of a constructed dry detention pond built in 1996 located at Kota Damansara, Selangor. Hydrological and hydraulic data were collected for model calibration and verification. The study indicates that the dry detention pond can achieve its design goals, catering the flow from a 100-year Average Recurrence Interval or ARI storm and complies with the design requirement in the MSMA for major urban stormwater systems.

The states of Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak in the north-west of Peninsular Malaysia have a total coastline of 550 km of which almost 40% are adjacent to agricultural lands. Parts of these lands were once intertidal and following their conversion into agricultural land, have been protected from the sea by coastal embankments since the 1950s. Extreme tides and wave erosion used to be the known hazards to these coastal lands, but over the past two decades sea level rise and the tsunami of 2004 have emerged as additional threats. A predicted sea level rise of 0.52 m by 2100 and a tsunami inundation distance exceeding 1000 m inshore have raised concerns as to the sustainability of existing coastal defenses, hinterland communities and economic activities. The combined impacts of both sea level rise and tsunami have made the north-west coastline the most vulnerable to coastal erosion and flooding. This paper compiles the findings of two key studies that assessed these coastal threats and determined the scientific basis for adaptive measures. The findings of the studies indicate that the north-west coast is the most vulnerable coast in Peninsular Malaysia. The paper also presents the physical impacts of these threats and the proposed adaptive strategies to mitigate them. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This research aims to update the inventory and classification of lakes, ponds, and dams throughout Malaysia and the eutrophication status of lakes in Malaysia. The research also involved the survey and measurement of trophic levels in several types of lakes or ponds and the classification of water bodies based on several parameters such as size, depth, shape, and productivity value or lake trophic. The findings found that there are more than 379 lakes including ponds and dams in Malaysia that provide important ecosystem services such as water supply, hydroelectric power, flood control, and recreation. Based on literature data, over 65% of 94 lakes are in eutrophic conditions

Field surveys of the 2011 Tohoku Tsunami reported massive failures of many seawalls and coastal barriers. The massive damages are vivid evidence that there are flaws in the design of seawalls and barriers. With this as the background, a sequence of laboratory experiments using dam-break waves was performed to simulate the interactions between the tsunami-like bore flow and vertical seawall as well as to measure the bore-induced pressures and to estimate forces exerted on the vertical seawall model. The experimental result revealed that the maximum pressure (approximately 8 kPa) exerted on the vertical seawall was measured at the lowest pressure sensor location. Experimental data were used to re-examine the relevant empirical formulae found in the literature. The obtained results could be useful for calibrating mathematical and numerical models as well as for future research concerning the design of tsunami barriers

The occurrence of natural hazard is increasing in frequency and brings with it various impacts on coastal areas, such as coastal erosion along the shoreline of Malaysia. The study of National Coastal Erosion Study (NCES) in 2015 revealed that 8840 km of shoreline in Malaysia with 1,347.6 km were subjected to erosion. The present study selected seven locations in Kuala Terengganu since Terengganu is exposed to the northeast monsoon which could potentially cause coastal erosion. In order to identify the changes in the shoreline of the selected study areas, 2014 SPOT-5 and 2016 WorldView-3 images were processed using ArcGIS software to determine the shoreline changes and to categorise the erosion which has occurred. Results show that the erosion in Zone B is more dynamic compared to that in Zone A, as shown by the highest rate 8.04% of erosion from Pantai Rhu extending to Pantai Marang. Erosion in Pantai Batu Buruk and Kuala Ibai, respectively with Zone A dominated by the anthropogenic and natural factors, while Zone B dominantly by natural factor only. Therefore, finding an empirical study of analyses the shoreline erosion in Malaysian monsoon environment might provide valuable information for the shoreline erosion in Malaysian monsoon environment might provide valuable information for sustainability coastal management.

The Malaysian Mangrove Research Alliance and Network (MyMangrove) was established in recognition of the needs for a collaborative effort to significantly influence the management and conservation of mangrove forests through research and education. MyMangrove brings scientists and researchers together, to join forces in exploration and enhancement of scientific knowledge on mangroves and their connecting habitats and ecosystems. The goal of the establishment of MyMangrove is chiefly to close the gap and create a functional and efficient scientific networking among scientists and researchers. It also anticipates at improving public communications on mangrove-related issues and to influence the landscape of policies and regulations pertaining to mangrove management and conservation, particularly in the context of Malaysia. Ultimately, MyMangrove aims at being a strategic platform for the local communities, NGOs, students, corporate sectors and government agencies to collaborate with the multi- and inter-disciplinary group of scientists and researchers from universities and agencies on all matters concerning mangroves and their interconnectedness with other coastal and marine habitats.

Since 2008, Kuala Nerus has undergone rapid urbanization along its coastline, resulting in the loss of sand along the littoral zone. Due to the heavy erosion in 2012 at Tok Jembal beach that migrated to Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) beach in 2013, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage has implemented a coastal defence project to mitigate erosion by building a series of ripraps/revetments along the coasts. Additionally, breakwaters and groyne structures were built in combination with beach nourishment programme. For the sustenance of the local fishermen community, the Malaysia Public Works Department replaced one of the breakwaters to a jetty-type breakwater at Tok Jembal beach. Shoreline evaluations, beach profile measurements and numerical modelling were used in this present study to identify the effectiveness of combining the coastal defence and beach nourishment programmes. The combination of programmes successfully initiated the accretion of a ~30 m beach dune and created new beaches. However, erosion remains persistent in the beach that was unprotected and exposed directly to the South China Sea. We posit that a combination of coastal defence and beach nourishment programmes can potentially interrupt dynamic coastal processes, especially the current parameters.

Tanjung Piai, Johor, Malaysia, is a ramsar site, located at the southern-most tip of mainland Asia, and consists mainly of mudflats and mangrove forests. The coast has experienced severe erosion for several decades, in spite of the construction of various coastal defense structures. The reported rates of shoreline retreat were between 2 to 4 m/year. Hydrodynamic modeling using 2008 field data indicate that the maximum current speed observed along the east coast of Tanjung Piai ranges from 0.2 - 0.5 m/s, while the west coast experiences lower current speeds of less than 0.2 m/s. Strong currents occur at the tip of Tanjung Piai with a speed of 0.5 to 0.8 m/s. The simulation also indicates that some local current patterns are formed near the tip due to the presence of a small island as the flow entering the study area during flooding were reflected to the east while the flow during the ebb tide tend to move toward the opposite direction. Wave simulations show that most of the waves come from Singapore and the Straits of Malacca, with amplitudes of over 1.5 m, are reduced to less than 0.8 m as they travel towards Tanjong Piai coast. These local hydrodynamic conditions, combined with the existence of regular ship wakes, are believed to be the reason for the intensive erosion at Tanjung Piai. Model simulations incorporating the proposed coastal protection measures indicated positive and negative impacts of the hydrodynamic changes around the study area. The results shown that the magnitude of the current speed and wave height would be reduced in the area behind the structures but slightly increased on the other parts of the coast. These changes will determine the sediment transport movement in the area. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the hydrodynamic characteristics before implementing any kind of coastal protection measures because they may protect some area from erosion, but may not be favourable to the other parts of the coast. ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS: Navigation, coastal inlets, numerical wave modeling, nearshore wave processe

Terengganu coasts tend to dual monsoonal as presenting Northeast Monsoon (NEM) as a storm season and Southwest Monsoon (SWM) as a calm season. The area of interest is a groyne in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu on east part of Peninsular Malaysia. The use of numerical model was performed on the dual monsoon seasons with MIKE 21 modules (Spectral Wave FM and Flow Model Hydrodynamic FM modules). Two numerical model were set up according to the two seasons. The resulting model indicates, the current circulation pattern consisted of persistent eddy re-circulation in the lee of the groyne during both seasons. As the longshore current directed into the groyne, it deflected offshore resulting in rip current along the groyne. The rip current and incoming wave converge at the tip of the groyne and flow parallel to coastline before being projected onshore performing a re-circulation cell. During NEM, the model shows a clockwise re-circulation cell and counterclockwise formation during SWM. The formation of the rip current and eddy circulation is associated with erosion event as the sediment transported offshore causing sediment shortage on the adjacent shore. The importance of this study can be a reference to any development of coastal defense monsoon dominated environment.

KerachutBeach is a beautiful beach in Penang National Park (PNP). However, this beach is categorised as one of dangerous beach for swimming activities in Malaysia due to the drowning incidents reported almost every year. The steep beach slope and rip current were among the factors that lead to this incident. Using bathymetry profile, current, tidal and sediment data collected at site incorporated with UKMO wave data analysis, the hydrodynamic pattern was simulated using Mike 21 modelling software. Result from the model showed the evidence of rip current existence along the coastline. It showed that this rip current events occurred during spring tide phase when the flow change from Flood to Ebb. During this period, the current tends to move parallel to the shoreline with maximum speed of 0.3m/s which is capable to swipe away a swimmer. The bathymetry profile at Kerachut is very steep and dangerous to swimmers since there is a 4-meter sudden plunge just meters away from the shoreline.