KUALA TERENGGANU: Swimmers, picnickers, tourists and beach combers have been warned to avoid activities in or near coastal areas and rivers as the high tide phenomenon is expected to persist for the next week following Monday’s supermoon effect.
The advisory was issued by the State Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), as forecasts predict tide levels of up to 3.5 metres high, especially in the flood-prone Kemaman district.
The supermoon effect is expected to be compounded by the northeast monsoon impact this year, with a notably higher and prolonged tidal level.
So far, two people have died in the current monsoon season after the boat they were in capsized in Sungai Chegar Batang in Besut.
State DID director C. Poobalan said all islands off Terengganu have been off-limits to tourism activities since early this month, following the start of the northeast monsoon.
He said this did not mean that rivers and coastal areas are safer.
"Do not underestimate the waves at coastal areas, especially the undercurrent which will pull you into the water any time. What I mean is to stop from all swimming activity.
"Even collecting shellfish near riverbanks or estuaries is not safe due to swift river currents. Refrain from all water-related activities – at least from this month until February, or when the monsoon is over," he said in an interview.
The latest tidal-level data shows that Kemaman will see a tidal level of between 3.2m to 3.5m, from 9.15pm to 1.30am daily this week.
In Kuala Terengganu, the tidal level will range from 2.6m to 2.7m, from 10.45pm to 2am daily for the next one week starting today.
Meanwhile, the supermoon effect saw different reactions from the public yesterday, with some treating the event like a carnival as they waited near estuaries to see the biggest moon in their lifetime – as well as the anticipated high tides.
But Rokiah Ali, 73, from Kampung Mengabang Tengah in Kuala Nerus, whose house is just five metres away from the sea, said she was in no mood to enjoy the supermoon.
"I have already shifted my belongings, especially electrical appliances and gas stove and tank, to higher ground. The past floods still haunt me, as I incurred huge losses," she said.