DHI was instrumental in initiating Shoreline Management Plans (SMP's) in Malaysia with the first SMP for the West Coast of Sabah in 1997-98. The West Coast of Sabah, Malaysia, is undergoing rapid development, and DHI has prepared a holistic plan for the management of shoreline development.

Over the course of the two-year study, regional numerical models for tidal hydrodynamics, offshore and nearshore wave climates, marine and coastal sediment transport, water quality and eutrophication were established for the 350 km study area, with detailed models being produced for specific development areas. These physical process models were utilised together with surveys of marine habitats, tourism indicators and socio-cultural issues to establish a clear framework of strategic guidelines and sustainable policies for the effective management of the coastline, and in particular, addressed issues of coastal erosion protection and the feasibility, suitability and untainabilityof utilising coastal reclamation as the basis for siting major tourist development projects along the West Coast of Sabah.

No plan is complete without implementation, and DHI followed the plan preparation through to policy papers at state cabinet level, updating of local and regional plans maintained by the Town and Regional Planning Department and formulated guidelines for environmental impact assessment and environmental management of shoreline development projects in Sabah.

DHI is presently updating and extending the original Sabah West Coast SMP to cover the entire coastline of Sabah.

DHI has further been involved in the formulation of the SMP for North Pahang, and is presently working on an extension to also cover South Pahang.