{
  "id": 2449478,
  "title": "RM700,000 seaside dream swept away by coastal erosion [WATCH]",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/rm700-000-seaside-dream-swept-away-by-coastal-erosion-watch",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-21T23:20:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/08/1516337/rm700000-seaside-dream-swept-away-coastal-erosion-watch"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "PEKAN: A businessman's dream of creating a seaside retreat in Tanjung Batu was washed away by relentless coastal erosion. Edde Firdaus Abdul Aziz, a 46-year-old tourism entrepreneur, spent RM700,000 to develop Kekunang Tering Chalet, featuring seven chalets and various accommodations. However, the dream lasted only six years before the structures were swallowed by the sea in late 2022. Edde Firdaus expressed his heartbreak over the disappearance of the chalet units, noting that the remaining land is now reduced to just 0.4ha. The concrete culverts, partially buried in sand, are the only visible remnants of the former resort. Despite investing in high-quality materials, Edde Firdaus could only salvage some furniture and appliances from the washed-away structures. He speculated that changes in wave patterns and water flow may have accelerated erosion at his property. Local staff member Abdul Manan Md Amin confirmed that the chalets were unoccupied when they were destroyed, likely due to a high tide forecast for that night.",
  "summary": "PEKAN: A businessman’s dream of turning a stretch of the coast in Tanjung Batu here into a unique seaside retreat was all but swept away by the relentless advance of the sea.",
  "key_points": [
    "Edde Firdaus spent RM700,000 to build Kekunang Tering Chalet.",
    "Coastal erosion destroyed the chalets in late 2022.",
    "Only 0.4ha of land remains after the destruction."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Pahang coastline under siege as erosion threatens homes, roads and livelihoods [WATCH]",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/pahang-coastline-under-siege-as-erosion-threatens-homes-roads-and",
        "published": "2026-08-21T23:15:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}