KUALA LUMPUR: Coastal residents, particularly in the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, are advised to be cautious of the high tide phenomenon expected to occur for four days from yesterday.
The Coastal Zone Management Division of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) said that among the areas at high risk are Kuala Muda in Kedah; Bagan Datuk (Perak); Klang, Kuala Langat, Sabak Bernam and Kuala Selangor in Selangor; and Batu Pahat and Pontian in Johor.
“Although the high tide phenomenon this time is of a smaller scale compared to that of last November, the situation will worsen if there’s also strong wind, huge waves and heavy rain at the same time.
“This could cause flash floods, overflow of sea water and coastal flooding.
“Therefore, the public is urged to always monitor the weather condition and if there is heavy rain and high tide, they should be prepared to evacuate to a safe place and follow the instructions given by the relevant authorities,” it said in its announcement yesterday.
Members of the public, especially beachgoers, are advised to be extra cautious when conducting water, leisure and recreational activities in the areas mentioned.
Meanwhile, Bernama reported that the Meteorological Department of Malaysia (MetMalaysia) has issued continuous rain warning at danger, severe and alert levels for most states until tomorrow.
In a statement, it announced that the affected states are Johor, Pahang, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, Sabah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
Danger-level continuous torrential rain is predicted in Johor involving the districts of Tangkak, Muar, Batu Pahat, Pontian and Johor Baru yesterday.
Severe-level continuous heavy rain is expected to occur in Pahang involving Jerantut, Maran, Kuantan, Bera, Pekan and Rompin; the entire Negri Sembilan and Melaka until today.
It also involves Johor in the districts of Segamat, Kluang, Mersing, Kulai and Kota Tinggi as well as Sabah in Sandakan (Telupid, Beluran and Sandakan) as well as Kudat.
According to the statement, continuous rain (alert level) is expected to occur in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang involving Cameron Highlands, Lipis, Raub, Bentong and Temerloh while in Sabah, the alert targets the West Coast (Tuaran, Ranau and Kota Belud) and Sandakan (Kinabatangan) until tomorrow.
A similar situation is also expected in Perak involving the districts of Manjung, Kinta, Perak Tengah, Kampar, Bagan Datuk, Hilir Perak, Batang Padang and Muallim, apart from Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya until today.