Security guard gets out just before guard post collapses

MALACCA: It could have been a tragedy had security guard Nepalnan Thatal adhered to standard operating procedures and remained at his guard post at the entrance to the Malacca Club rotunda annexe in Tanjung Kling yesterday.

Just moments before the structure collapsed into the sea, Thatal, 26, had followed his instincts and stepped out of his post as the high tide pounded the Kampung Hailam beach, eating away its banks with every wave.

“I noticed strong waves had moved the sand under the booth, washing it away as sea water seeped in. I felt that the structure was shaking and sat outside for fear that it might collapse.”

Thatal, who worked for the club, said he got a bigger shock at 9.30am when he saw the guard post falling apart.

“It happened quickly. Within seconds, the structure collapsed,” he said, adding that last month there were signs of erosion and a company was called in to reinforce the structure with stones and sand.

Club executive Iskandar Raj, 35, said erosion had worsened since reclamation works on the coast were intensified in recent years.

“Erosion has become common in Kampung Hailam, especially in December.

“The waves usually erode only parts of the beach or destroy our fencing. No building structure has collapsed until now.”

The club spent between RM5,000 and RM6,000 yearly to build temporary fencing to protect the clubhouse.

“I’m concerned about the safety our 1,600 members using sports facilities at the club, especially the dining area, which is closest to the sea.

“Parts of the road leading to the club just before the guard post have been destroyed and I don’t want to expose members or guests to danger should the road collapse.”

Resident Too May Ling, 50, said Kampung Hailam needed a stronger breakwater or barriers shielding the village from erosion.

She urged the state government to put up stronger defences before houses in the century-old Kampung Hailam village were destroyed.

She said six houses nearest to the sea out of 50 houses in Kampung Hailam were at risk of erosion.

Too, who was also the Kampung Hailam village association secretary, said erosion could affect tourism in the village.

State Drainage and Irrigation Department director Mohamad Radzi Abdul Talib said his department was aware of the situation and had applied for funding to repair the damage to Kampung Hailam coast.