1 Introduction

1.1 Aims and Objectives

This report aims to provide an evaluation on the coastal processes response and its
management on Miri coast. The goals of the study are listed as below:

1. To evaluate the coastal landforms,

2. To identify natural and human-related processes to the coast,

3. To identify current and potential future threats to coastal environment

4. To identify key issues for sustainable management of the coast.

1.2 Methodology
1.2.1 Aerial view and preliminary survey
The coastal region was surveyed thoroughly with the aid of an aerial map obtained from
Google Earth. Hence, accessible site and potential hazards were identified prior visits. In
addition, the tide schedule was used to identify the best date and time for the coast visits.

1.2.2 Beach profile measurement and field observation

By using Emery rod method, the beach profiles for two beaches were measured. The
profile measurement was done at the lowest tide level possible to get better data. Besides,
intense observations throughout the coastal region were done and studied.

2 Locality Description
The coastal region covered is between Kuala Baram and Luak bay of the coast. There are
three localities that have been chosen for this study. All of the sites visited are described
as below:

2.1 Geology and background

2.1.1 Tanjung Lobang
It is a famous tourism spot where it has clean sandy beach. The unconsolidated sand has
well sorted fine grained size. It is believed to form during middle Miocene age of Miri
Formation.
2.1.2 Luak Beach
It consists of sedimentary rocks from Tukau formation which is relatively younger than
Tangjung Lobang. The sediment has coarser than sands found at Tangjung Lobang too.

2.1.3 Kuala Baram

This locality is believed to be from upper Miocene age. It has a sequence of sedimentary
rocks. The sediments here are also coarser in size and poorly sorted compared to the other
localities.

2.2 Topology and Geomorphology

The topography of all beaches near the coastline and the few hundred meters landward is
relatively low. All beaches are separated with erosion defence structures which are about
1.5m relief height in average. However, different localities still have unique landforms
and that differentiate them from the other sites.

2.2.1 Tanjung Lobang

It has approximately 600 meters long beach. The relief is significantly changing landward
due the presence of past tectonic activities at the area that resulted in an upliftment of
Miri Hill. In the southwest direction, there is a rock cliff exposure of 30 meters height
which was once a part of Miri Hill before it eroded away. The evidence of this beach
formation is shown by the different vegetation types that exist at the beach and the cliff
(fig. 1).

Figure 1: The view to the southwest

direction of the beach where two different
types of vegetation (labeled as A and B)
are observed. A is at the beach side
whereas B is located on the cliff side.

2.2.2 Luak Beach

The beach is stretching seaward with very gentle inclination. The beach faces the ocean
openly and has relatively straight coast line.
2.2.3 Kuala Baram Beach
It has a straight coastline with limited beach width. However, as closer proximity toward
the Baram river mouth. Significant chances are seen as depositional features such sand
dunes were observed. Occasionally, these sand dunes are believed to be flooded with
seawater. At the middle segment of Kuala Baram, several sand bars presence thus
creating a small lagoon which separates the bars from the coast. Delta formed at the river
mouth as high deposition of sediments present.

Figure 2: Shown small lagoon

separated by sand dune at Kuala
Baram beach. The sand dune is very
low in elevation and sparsely vegetated.

2.2.4 Beach profile assessment

Beach profile was done at two of beaches, which are Tanjung Lobang and Luak beach.
The profile would aid in term of evaluating the landform better and the processes that
have mannered them. The profiles of the beach are shown below:

Characteristic Tanjung Lobang beach Luak beach

Average slope 1.10˚ 0.45˚.

Profile features Accretion bump and Straight dipping with no

through bump

Dunes Artificial dunes are much Smaller artificial dunes

larger

Table 1: Comparison of both beach where profiling was done.

2.3 Drainage (Hydrology)
2.3.1 Tanjung Lobang

Two little streams are observed here. One of it is an active drainage system where the
surface runoff from the surrounding is channelled into this man-made stream. Flow rate
of the stream was measured during the visit and displayed below (fig. 3). Another stream
is a stagnant stream originated from the native vegetation area. Furthermore, many logs
are scattered in and around the stream blocking the water flow.

Figure 3: Flow rate measurement of a man-made stream in Tanjung Lobang.

2.3.2 Luak Beach

A small meandering river flow into the sea with higher volume compared to the one in
Tanjung Lobang. Flow rate measurement at time of visit measured during the low tide
period is in (Fig 4). The river deposited small mud flat area near the entrance to the sea.
The mud flat is believed to be submerged during the high tide.
 Figure 4: Flow rate measurement of a meandering river at Luak beach.

2.3.3 Kuala Baram beach

Batang Baram river is located here. It supplies enormous sediment discharge from
upstream to the sea. Besides, small streams which do not flowing during fair weathered
days are present along the road that runs alongside the beach create swampy area. These
streams only flow during rainy days. Compared to Tanjung Lobang, there is no proper
drainage structure in this area.

Figure 5: Swampy area at Kuala Baram.

2.4 Identified vegetation

The presence of vegetation provides important traction as they keep the sediments intact
by spreading roots in earth. They are important as they are a part of natural protective
mechanism of the coast. For example, vegetation covering the dune could lessen the wind
energy, thus reducing erosion.

5m
0.453 m
The vegetation observed along the studied locality is shown in figure 5. Meanwhile, the
presence and occurrence of these vegetations in the locality are summarized in table 2
below.
 Figure 6: Collection of major vegetations found along the coast zone. A: Beach
morning glory (Ipomaea pes caprae) B: Coconut tree (Cocos nucifera). C(i)(ii): Beach
Rhu (Casuarina litorea). D(i): Mangrove tree at the rivermouth. D(ii) Baby mangrove
at the swamp near the coastal roadside. E) Grass (Poaceae). F) Tall grass (typha
angustifolia). G(i)(ii): Scaevola Plumieri. H) Agricultural plant at small scale behind
warehouse worker house at Kuala Baram.

Vegetation type Tanjung Luak Beach Kuala Baram Remarks

Lobang beach
beach
A) Beach Stabilize sands and helps
Morning Glory prevent sand erosion.
(Ipomaea pes Salt tolerance plant
caprae)
B) Coconut tree Indicate high salinity
(Cocos nucifera) water
C) Beach Rhu Serve as ditch and canal
(Casuarina stabilization, shade and
litorea) also as windbreaker.
D) Mangrove Protect coastal areas
tree from erosion, storm
surge and tsunamis.
Good for ecosystem.
E) Grass Ground cover and dune
(Poaceae) stabilization.

F) Lalang (typha Common in marshy area

angustifolia)
G) Scaevola Ground cover and dune
Plumieri stabilization.
H) Agricultural Banana, corn and
plant vegetables.

Legends *The number of stars indicates distribution of the

Growth naturally
Believed to be planted
vegetation.
One star = Sparsely vegetation
Two stars = Moderate in amount
There stars = Plentiful
Both natural and
planted

Not seen
Table 2: The summary of vegetation presence at the three beaches and
their relatively distribution.

2.5 Human activities

For centuries, the coastal region has been beneficial for human beings. However, due to
human interruption of the natural ecosystem equilibrium, there are always consequences
no matter good or bad to the region. Activities could take place offshore or inland
regardless of the scale. Below, the impact of each activities and community mostly
affected are discussed.
 Activity
2.5.1 Recreational & Tourism
Clean beach that qualified and
strategic to become an attraction
for locals and tourists alike.
2.5.2 Fishing industry
Many fishermen conduct fishing
activities at Kuala Baram.
2.5.3 Urbanization &
development
Development of coastal
residences and Marina bay
(reclaimed land) could bring
more harm than good, especially
to the ecosystem.
Planned development of dam at
upstream of Baram river could
also be harmful.
2.5.4 Offshore rigs, Shipping
and Warehouse.
Operating oil rigs could be seen
from the coast. Tankers and
shipping for the trading.
2.5.5 Industrial activites
Industrial activity along the
coastal area and river system
Impact Communities affected
Positive - People living by the
- Promote healthy economy coastal zone.
- More development as -Tourism personnels.
infrastructures needed to attract - Coastal ecosystem.
visitors.
- Strengthening of coastal defence
to protect the coast.
Negative
- Beach rendered to dirty.
- Destruction of vegetation and
marine life habitat.
Positive - Fishermen
- Source of income and protein for - Consumers
people. - Marine life
Negative
- Uncontrolled fishing could render
some fish species to extinction.
- Marine structures obstruct the
sediment drift
Positive - Coastal ecosystem
- Developing better city for living. - Human population
- Create new attraction and
residences.
Negative
- Reclaimed land proves destructive
to the local river system and
mangrove forest.
- Land clearance.
- Destruction of surrounding fauna.
Positive - Oil and gas
- Growing oil and gas industry. community.
-Improve country economy. - Marine ecosystem
Negative
- Possible source of pollution for
example oil spills in ocean.
- Degrade water quality.
Positive - Interior community
- Good for economic and industrial living upstream.
growth. - Coastal ecosystem
- Job opportunities for rural area
 Table 3: Summary of human activities happening along the coastal zone together with
their impact and communities that could be affected.

Logs

Figure 7: Some pictures demonstrate the human activities currently happening along Miri
Coast. A: Land clearance by burning the vegetation area. B: Sea and river sediment dredging
for beach nourishment and land reclamation. C: Large ship boarding at the port at Kuala
Baram. D: Ship that fully loaded with logs. E: Boat construction activities for fishing and
recreational. E: Ship rope that stranded at the rip rap at Kuala Baram beach. G: Offshore rigs
and shipping activities observed from coast. H: Warehouse to keep the ship trade commodity.
I: A cement making factory at Kuala Baram.
2.6 Man-made structures and impact
2.6.1 Human development, residential facilities

Most of the features have been built as a comfort for better living. The features are as
listed below:

o Bridge

o Children playground

o Factories

o Fish market

o Housing / Residences

o Schools

o Man made drainage

o Recreational facilities

o Roads

Along the coastal zone that had been studied, the trend/density of development can be
directly correlated to the density of human population. More buildings or development
projects are signs of a highly populated area. As example, along the shore from Lutong
developments are low in density. Whereas, further upward to Baram river the
development gets moderately denser.

2.6.2 Erosion Defense and Beach Stabilization structure

These structures could be further typecast into hard defenses and soft defenses. Hard
defenses are man-made rigid structures generally constructed with concrete and steel.
Whereas, defenses that are made of unconsolidated material such as sand are known as
soft defenses. Both are used as a coastal defense against erosion and flooding.
2.6.2.1 Rocks (Rip Rap) and wood revetments

Located along the coast, it separates the sandy beach from the vegetation line. The rocks
used are mostly limestone. However, at Tanjung Lobang, granite is more commonly
used. These rock are not common in Miri region, thus had to be imported. They are
designed so that the waves lose their energy breaking on the structure instead on the
beach. Further erosion could be prevented by dispersing the tide energy. At Kuala Baram
this rock revetment is covered by geotextiles believed to improve effectiveness.

Figure 8: Rock revetment (rip-rap) along the coastline. A: View from one
side of Kuala Baram beach. B; Geotextile that cover the rocks.

Furthermore, at Kuala Baram the rock revetments were not just aligned parallel to the
coast but also purposely aligned perpendicular to the coast (fig. 4). It is believed this has
been done to replicate the same working principle of a groyne but at a smaller scale.
 Figure 9: Aligned rock revetment perpendicular to the coast. The
white arrows indicate the orientation direction of the rocks. Aii)Close-
up view of the rock revetment from the coast to seaward.

At Tanjung Lobang, there are logs that are vertically positioned half buried. This is
believed to obstruct the logs from entering the sea or scattering around beach.

Figure 10: Logs that are vertically

positioned half buried along the stream at
Tanjung Lobang.

2.6.2.2 Gabion
Mainly found at Tanjung Lobang, hard rocks are wrapped in heavily galvanized wire cage and
then stacked on one another to stabilize the slope against erosion and prevent cliff falls.

2.6.2.3 Groyne (Wave breaker)

Two groynes 100 m in length each are built at Tanjung Lobang. They are straight, narrow
in width and perpendicular to the shoreline. Huge amount of foreign rock (granite) were
brought over with approximate volume 7000m3. They are meant to stabilize the coast
where they control the sediment movement along the coast.

2.6.2.4 Sand bag

This soft coastal defense is sand that is covered by geotextile piled on top of one another
and placed against the slope. As it does not involve any concrete or hard structures, these
sand bags replicate the protective characteristics of natural beach and dune systems.

Besides that, there are signs of sediment replenishment activities observed at Tanjung
Lobang. It is almost unnoticeable at first as the foreign sand is relatively similar with the
existing sand. However, the remnant of sacks on the beach floor could be evidence of
sand replenishment activities. This is to ensure that the foreign sand can integrate with the
natural processes and thus enhance the beach.
 Figure 11: Erosion defense and beach stabilization structure observed
along the studied coast. A: Gabions are placed along the highly erosive part
adjacent to the sea food restaurant. B: Groynes at Tanjung Lobang.
C: Sand bags are piled on top of another against the slope. D: Concrete
revetment fixed against the slope.

2.6.1 Marine structure

The structures are mainly developed for fishing, tourism, and shipping. Small jetties are
observed along the coast as they are used as inlets for boat entry. Marina bay
particularly, has wharfs to keep the recreational boats. The port is established for trade
cargo and ships in northern region of Sarawak. Also, huge warehouses were built for
strorage also took up large of land space.
3 Coastal Processes interpretation
The coastal environment is one of the most dynamic and dramatic in terms of changes in
its physical environment. Thus, humans who are highly dependent on the coast should
have a deep understanding regarding this matter. In particular, its natural processes –
tides, waves, winds, and currents are constantly reworking the coastal zone. It is also
easily influenced by anthropogenic activities. Therefore, understanding of coastal zone
influences whether natural or manmade is important.
 3.1 Miri tidal characteristics and analysis
3.1.1 Data

From the monthly tide schedule, a sinusoidal graph for August is illustrated and graph of
each tidal phase is deduced.

3.1.2 Graph
Diurnal Semidiurnal Diurnal Semidiurnal

New
Moon
Full Moon

Last First
Quarter

Figure 8: Miri Tidal Schedule, August 2010.

 Figure 12: Plot for main tidal phases.

3.1.3 Tidal Characteristics

Phase Type Range, cm Low and High and

lower low, higher high,
cm cm
Last quarter Diurnal 35 69 104
(neap)
New moon Diurnal 190 10 180
(spring)
First quarter Diurnal 102 47 149
(neap)
Full moon Semidiurnal 101 46, 91 99, 147
Overall Mixed 179 1 180
Table 4: Main tidal phase data.

Based on the graphs, Miri has mixed tides which are mostly diurnal. The tidal range is
179 cm (microtidal). The tidal waves have moderate energy with parallel direction to
coastline except in embayment and river mouth. The direction is angled that it can be
observed from the ripple mark orientation along the beach.

3.1.4 Interpretation
Diurnal phase occurs due to the moon day not being equal to the solar day although in
most places, the moon finishes its cycle more than once in a solar day (called
semidiurnal). The large range of tide is due to a number of factors. Miri is located close to
the equator where the pull of the moon is the strongest during spring. The range changes
in response to the position of the sun and moon relative to Miri’s location. The coastal
shape also influences the tidal range. Miri’s coast faces the South China Sea, where the
size of the basin is considered large with varying water depths; and straight long
shorelines with wide continental shelves give larger tidal range. The range slightly
decreases where there are river mouths and embayment as the tide is affected by water
depth and river flow rate.

To discuss on regional context, Tawau (Sabah) tidal schedule is analyzed. Although

Tawau is located around the same latitude as Miri, the relative position of moon and sun
is the same. However, the range is bigger of 3.11 cm (mesotidal) compared to Miri tidal
range. Tawau is indeed one of the six sites in Malaysia with highest tidal range as it faces
an open and even wider Celebes Sea and the narrow strait between Tawau and Pulau
Sebetik increase tidal wave energy.

Figure 13: Comparison of Tawau and Miri main tidal phases

Environmental Geosciences 302

3.2 Coast classification

Shepard coastal classification revised in 1973 is used for the coast classification. The
classification is simply illustrated in the flow chart below attached together with their
evidences.

Shepard coastal classification scheme (1973)

Location: At Kuala Baram area

Primary coast which surrounds the river mouth.
Formed mostly by non-
marine agent such by subaerial
Evidence: Enormous river discharge
deposition.
from Batang Baram river to form a
river-dominated. Sand bar and
lagoon observed.

Secondary coast Location: From Luak beach futher

Shaped primarily by up to Kuala baram beach
marine agent or organism. Can
be either primary coast or not
Further classification

before being shaped by marine

Erosive features such sea cliffs and
forces.
sea caves are seen especially at
Tanjung Lobang where bed rock is
exposed.
Erosion prone coast as
deposition is less compared by
erosion. Miri coast has small tidal range
(microtidal <2m). Means more
Wave dominated erosion coast energy come from the waves.

Wave straightened coast. Coast line is straightened by wave

action as the coast line is relatively
straight with no embayment at all.
Environmental Geosciences 302

3.2.1 Erosion process

3.3 Impact of Anthropogenic activities to Coastal Processes

Placement of jetties along the coast will alter the pattern of longshore sediment transport.
It is the movement of sediment over long distances in a direction parallel to the shoreline.
This causes interference to sediments natural flow as natural supply of sediment to feed
the beach is decreased and river of sand becomes starved. Eventually results in narrower
beach. Example, in Kuala Baram.

Groynes at Tanjung Lobang, for instance will trap sediment updrift of the structure and
leaving less sediment to transport downdrift area, and creating more erosion.

This phenomenon can be seen along the Tanjung Lobang beach large volumes of sand
deposited higher up of the beach, thus believed to be overwash sediments. The spot is
deduced to be the updrift side based on the lithoral drive direction. It occurs as storm
water exceeds the adjacent land due to very low elevation, absence of dunes and sparse
vegetation covers.

Over wash
sediments
Figure 10: Over wash sediment that
deposited as fan shaped features at south-
west side of the beach.

Conversely, downdrift is believed to have happened on the north east side. Severe erosion
occurred even where sediment was nicely covered by vegetation root (fig 11). The water
could reach very high landward possibly due to combination of spring tide and heavy
monsoonal rain especially during November to February which is usually accompanied
by severe sea storms.
Environmental Geosciences 302

Figure 11: Severely eroded area as the

vegetation root couldn’t stand the erosion
that removed a lot sediments.

Rivers supply sediment to the coast and human activities, such as damming for
hydroelectric power, can restrict the flow of sediment to the coast. Eventually, will cause
sediment starvation along the coast and aggravate erosion.

4 Sustainable coastal management and threat

Sustainable coast l management

Environmental Geosciences 302

nourishment can be used alongside the groyne schemes.

2.6 NATURE THREAT

Although coastal region is part of Mother Nature, it still can face some threats from it.
Natural cycle can cause some damage to the coastal region.

Tide Change

Threats from Mother Nature can be as simple as tide changes to tsunami. Tide changes
cause erosion and, if not controlled properly, the erosion might get severe. Erosion can
speed up due to global warming effect and that is why basic defence like rip raps and
gabbions are built along coastline.

RIP Current

Sometime, RIP current occurs at the Tg. Lobang beach. This sometimes caused by the
groin built. RIP current has been proven fatal to human and can cause lost of lives.

Tsunami

As a whole, Miri coastline is still part of Borneo Island’s coastal region. Hyperbolic as it
may sound, Borneo as an island is still prone to mega threat such as Tsunami due to its
location. Any quakes at the trench line that can cause Tsunami surely can reach Borneo
Island. If a Tsunami ever going to reach the coast, Miri can go down just like Aceh.
Current Condition

Coastal region of Miri current condition can be described as acceptable at some of the beaches we
observed like Luak Bay and Tg. Lobang. Kuala Baram in the other hand can be described as in critical
need of facelift and coastal management.

Luak Bay and Tg. Lobang might be in an acceptable condition due to its tourism and recreational
importance. They are equipped with new and improved coastal defence measures compared to Lutong
beach and Kuala Baram.

Kuala Baram in contrast, has been the victim of industrial activities. The condition of the beach including
the coastal region can be described as not suitable for neither tourism nor recreation purposes. The
defence measure seems old and just enough to prevent severe erosion on the beach.

Future Threat

Future threat might be plentiful and more dangerous if proper management of the coastal zone is not
done.

Proposal of damn around Baram area also have been submitted to the government
(http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2010&dt=0218&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Sabah_
Environmental Geosciences 302

%26_Sarawak&pg=wb_05.htm). This can cause sediment starvation to the beach area as its trapped at the
dam. Development of residential area at along the coastline like in Lutong might seem beautiful but it
also can possess danger to its community if suddenly big waves like tsunami ever happen.

Future Management

So, the government must start thinking long-term measure and planning instead of ignoring all these
threats. Development must be parallel to nature conservation.

Recreational and tourism activity at the beach must be constantly monitored especially in term of the
cleanliness of the beach. Strengthening of coastal defence also must be equal albeit the importance of the
beach to tourism or not.

Industrial activity must be controlled and critical areas like mangrove forest must be strictly preserved
from industrial activities. Strict control on the effluent that released to the open water also must be
implemented.

People safety

Future development

Sustainability entails a continuous process of decision making, so there is never an end-state just
a readjustment of the equilibrium between development and the protection of the environment[

Managing the balance between recreational, commercial, and industrial uses has been a challenge

Identifying their best uses and productivity and has stringent group of decision makers. Coastal
erosion that causes shoreline to retreat.

Exposure is likely to increase as sea level rises with climate change. In some locations future changes in
tropical storms and storm surges may further add to the risk of flooding. Projections of future change,
particularly if they include quantified risk assessment, give governments the opportunity to plan sea
defences and other infrastructure development

http://geology.uprm.edu/Morelock/morphol.htm

http://www.ozcoasts.org.au/indicators/mangrove_areas.jsp ( OzCoast 2010)

http://www.marine.tmd.go.th/marinemet_html/lect20.html

http://www.surfrider.org/structures/erosion.asp

http://www.marine.tmd.go.th/marinemet_html/lect20.html
Environmental Geosciences 302

http://www.slideshare.net/sharmapd1/coastal-erosion-and-its-control

Sustainable activity

Conclusion

 building with natural processes and relying on natural elements such as sands, dunes and vegetation to
prevent erosive forces from reaching the backshore. These techniques include beach nourishment and sand dune
stabilization.

To better understand how fast the beach are changing and address property loss due to
erosion, or when beach nourishment makes sense.

Armoring the shoreline usually halts coastal erosion and protects property and
structures, but on shorelines undergoing long-term retreat

However, the effectiveness of this structure is questioned as some of the wire cage are disoriented and
causing some of the rocks to spill out.

However, one beach is more eroded compared to other. Some of the factors are:

Faces the ocean at proper angles will have higher erosion rate. As the angle more parallel
to the coast, more sediment transport occurs.

Besides, higher wind strength especially during north-east monsoonal season from
November to February would also accelerate the erosion.

Softer areas become eroded much faster than harder ones.