It has been demolished for safety reasons.

State executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari said his team received a report on the incident at 3.40pm. There were no reports of injuries in the area, which had been cordoned off by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the civil defence force.

Zairil, who is responsible for infrastructure and transport, said a report was received from a hotel in Batu Feringghi on the collapse of the 10m watchtower after high tide had eroded part of the beach.

“Erosion began on Dec 23 and worsened due to the high tide early this month. The area has been closed. No one was injured in the incident,” he said in a statement today.

Zairil, who is also the Tanjung Bungah assemblyman, said his team together with the MBPP, the irrigation and drainage department, public works department, civil defence and Golden Sands Hotel visited the site this morning.

The watchtower was demolished immediately for safety reasons.

“In addition, the DID will make a site visit to identify how to deal with the erosion. All visitors to Batu Ferringhi beach should be careful and cooperate during the clean-up work,” he added.

Northeast district APM officer Captain Muhammad Aizat Abdul Ghani said part of the coastal area had been vacated while a barrier had been put up.

The area is also being monitored to ensure that nothing untoward occurs, he added.