SHAH ALAM: Fishermen have been told to put on life jackets when they head out to sea during the high tide phenomenon, which is expected to being anytime now and last till December this year.
Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) chairman Datuk Seri Irmohizam Ibrahim said the phenomenon is expected to hit the Selangor coastlines as well as several areas in Perak.
"I would like to advise fishermen to wear life jackets while they are out at sea during the high tide phenomenon. Apart from that, I ask that fishermen be alert of the instructions given by the authorities and to have the K3M app (Maritime Community Security and Safety Awareness) if they meet with any accidents at sea.
"I have also instructed LKIM's Fishermen Safety Group (Kumpulan Keselamatan Nelayan) to be prepared to render any assistance to the authorities if needed. LKIM has also set up a disaster committee to assist fishermen who may be affected by the phenomenon," said Irmohizam.
Over in Klang, Kalmi Yusuf, 59, a resident at Kampung Tok Muda is shaking with fear when she heard that there will be another episode of the high tide phenomenon.
"I lost RM5,000 during the flood last year, " she said.
The high tide phenomenon, which will go on until December, this year is expected to cause flooding at five districts in Selangor, including Kampung Tok Muda in Klang.
This has forced residents, apart from the fisherman community in the area, to be on alert and take precautionary measures to face the possibility of flooding.
Kalmi said she has rearranged her belongings and stored important items and documents high up. She is fully prepared to evacuate if the water level rises.
"I have also asked two of my children to rearrange and pack their stuff. We have packed our clothes and personal belongings.
"We lost many of our household items, including a washing machine, refrigerator, two motorbikes and a Proton Iswara vehicle in the flood, last year.
"I could no longer use my car due to its rusty condition and I would have to fork out a huge sum to repair it," said the single mother.
Kalmi said the family stayed at one of the relief centres in Klang, the Dewan Orang Ramai Kampung Tok Muda, for a week during the flood, last year.
Checks at the Jeti Pengkalan Kampung Tok Muda, showed fishermen and residents preparing for the worse.
One resident, Baharin Ibrahim, 49, said he had also taken necessary steps.
"Water levels were knee high during a flood episode two years ago. I do not want to go through that again. Hence, this time around, I have placed my belongings and valuables at a higher place."
Fisherman, Mohd Rahim Mahani, 59, said he and his friends would always ensure their boats were properly secured.
"This is to ensure our boats stay in place and not be swept away by tides. We will take turns to monitor our boats during this time," he added.