KUALA NERUS: Coastal residents of Terengganu have been advised to be on alert for monsoonal tidal waves that are expected to lash their villages in the coming days.
Terengganu Civil Defence Force director Lt Col Che Adam Abdul Rahman said that the adverse weather currently experienced by the state is expected to continue, and he advised the public to stay away from beaches.
He called on parents to closely monitor their children’s movements during the school holidays, as many would be tempted to play at beaches.
“The tidal waves are very treacherous and can pose a danger at any time. Some of the waves from this north-easterly monsoon can reach up to 1.79 metres.
“The winds will also be very strong and can blow off roof tops,” he said.
Adam added that the tidal waves could spill over to coastal roads and cautioned motorists to be on their guard.
“On our part, we have dispatched our mobile units to patrol coastal areas, in tandem with other enforcement agencies, and will send out alerts when necessary.
“The last thing we want is to see untoward incidents involving the loss of lives,” he said after visiting Tangjung Gelam in Mengabang Telipot, which is facing coastal erosion.
The state government has directed the Drainage and Irrigation Department to take immediate action at Tanjung Gelam to prevent a catastrophe.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Meteorological Department has issued a Category Two warning of strong north-easterly winds of 50-60 km per hour and rough seas with waves reaching 4.5 metres off Condore, Reef North and Layang-Layang island in the South China Sea.
The department’s website stated that the situation, expected to last until Tuesday, is dangerous for all vessels, including recreational boats, fishing boats and ferries.
A Category One warning of winds of up to 40-50km per hour and waves of 3.5 metres high has been issued for Tioman, Bunguran, Reef South, Labuan (Sabah) and Palawan (the southern Philippines) during the same period.
Thunderstorms are also expected off Koh Samui in south Thailand, Condore and Reef North on Sunday night.
The affected regions cover Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Sarawak, Labuan and Sabah.