Remote sensing-based shoreline change investigation in Klang Coast and Langkawi Island towards sustainable coastal management

Abstract

Malaysia’s coastline is incessantly exposed to coastal hazards, sea-level rise (SLR), and coastal erosion. A quantitative examination of shoreline migration patterns over various timeframes is necessary to comprehend land–sea interface behaviour and coastal ecology. Due to gradual changes in sea currents and coastline, Langkawi International Airport was constructed in December 1993 and extended near the coast in 2006. From 1994 to 2024, this study aims to manage changes in shorelines of Klang, Malaysia, and Langkawi Island, Malaysia, using Landsat 4-5 Thematic Mapping (TM) and 8 Operational Land Imager/Thermal Infrared Sensor (OLI/TIRS), Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS), and ArcGIS software. Langkawi Island’s endpoint rates (EPR) varied between −1.34 and 1.02 m/year, whereas linear regression rate (LRR) was found to be 1.04 m/year for accretion and −0.84 m/year for erosion. Similarly, the Klang coast recorded −1.46 to 1.76 m/year LRR and −1.19 to 3.44 m/year EPR. While Northport (Malaysia) Bhd. seeing accretion due to building, Kapar Energy Ventures mostly witnessed erosion. The results highlight critical need for specialized coastal management techniques, like building seawalls, regenerating mangroves, and managing sediments, to reduce erosion and improve shoreline stability. To make well-informed decisions on sustainable coastal development, this study offers fresh perspectives on spatiotemporal Malaysian coastline dynamics.