KUALA TERENGGANU: Despite tropical storm Pabuk posing no real danger to Terengganu, authorities are on high alert all the same.
State secretary Datuk Abdul Rahman Yahya said they were monitoring closely Pabuk’s movement off the peninsula’s eastern coast in the South China Sea.
“From the real-time satellite images, it is evident that Pabuk, with its 60km per hour winds, will pass through without posing any apparent danger to Terengganu, except possibly the north-eastern tip around Kuala Besut before spilling over to Kelantan and Indo-China.
“Nevertheless, the state’s emergency disaster response teams are on standby to render assistance to victims.
“If need be, we can summon federal assistance,” he told newsmen after a briefing by the state Civil Defence Force (CDF) at the state disaster operations room in Paya Keladi.
Present were Terengganu’s CDF director Lt Col Che Adam Abdul Rahman, its meteorology department director Rosli Zakaria and other agency representatives.
Rahman said there was no reported damage to property in the state and water levels at the rivers were safe.
He reminded the public to avoid activities in waterways, rivers, monsoon drains, lakes, ponds and the sea for the time being.
“Danger will come unannounced from a sudden gush from strong currents and waves.
“Also, always rely on verified news from official government sources and do not viral unverified news which can cause public alarm,” he said.
Meanwhile, state tourism director Tun Faisal Tun Abdul Razak said that Terengganu’s idyllic islands were ready to brace Pabuk.
“Almost all the resorts are closed for the annual monsoon season which will last until next month.
“Boat and ferry operators are also adhering to the advise from the Marine Department and other authorities to avoid going to sea. “Hopefully, Pabuk will not cause much damage to the local tourism industry,” said Tun Faisal.
Terengganu’s islands of Pulau Bidong, Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Lang Tengah in the South China Sea annually attract more than 200,000 tourists.
Kuala Merang Fishermen’s Welfare and Tourists Entrepreneur Association secretary Mohd Khairul Azizie Mohamad said they had stopped all outdoor work and activities as a precaution.
“We are unable to carry out any maintenance work, too, either at the jetty or the islands in view of themonsoon and the threat posed by Pabuk.
“Fortunately, we managed to clear clogged drains and waterways around our villages to minimise flooding,” said Mohd Khairul.
Summer Bay Lang Tengah Island Resort operator Chong Fah Ming said that the advent of information technology had made it possible for the public to access real-time data on the weather, with satellite images readily available.
“Coupled with early warning and public announcements, everyone is alert of what is going to happen and is happening,” he said.
Pabuk is expected to lash the waters off south of Samui Island (Thailand), north of Tioman, north of Bunguran, east of Reef North, Layang-Layang, north of Reef South and Palawan (Philippines).
The storm can reportedly result in up to 100cm of rainfall, causing coastal flash-floods and landslides.
The Meteorological Department issued warnings of strong north-easterly winds of 50-60 km per hour, with waves up to 4.5 metres over the waters off Sarawak, Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang until Saturday.