Sediment Variant during the Northeast Monsoon: A Comparative Analysis of Natural-Based Erosion Protection Structures

Sandy beaches are highly susceptible to erosion due to their loose sediment, which is easily displaced by waves, tides, and storms. This issue is particularly evident along the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, especially at Pantai Batu Rakit, Terengganu, an unprotected shoreline facing the South China Sea. The area experiences severe erosion due to intense Northeast Monsoon impacts, despite various mitigation efforts and hard engineering structures. To address this, a study was conducted to examine sediment dynamics during the monsoon and assess the effectiveness of erosion protection measures, including the nature-based Effective Fence (E-Fence). Sediments were collected from both protected (E-Fence) and unprotected areas, and grain size distribution was analyzed using conventional sieving methods. The findings reveal that the E-Fence effectively minimizes erosion by trapping and accumulating sediments, thereby reducing wave impact. Notably, zones with the E-Fence contained a higher proportion of coarser sediments, indicating enhanced energy dissipation. This reduction in wave energy is crucial for mitigating severe erosion impacts and preserving coastal morphology. The results highlight the E-Fence’s potential in strengthening coastal resilience and protecting vulnerable shorelines. Beyond immediate benefits, the study supports further research into sustainable coastal defense mechanisms. Future investigations should explore the long-term effectiveness of E-Fences and their integration with other coastal protection strategies.