PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has urged the public to exercise caution and stay alert to maritime conditions during the northeast monsoon season.
Its director-general Maritime Rear Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah, said this advice follows the 1,172 recorded incidents at sea from January to October of this year including 53 fatalities and 24 still missing, which the agency recorded.
"With the information shared and through the structure of 200 preventative search-and-rescue programmes that we have implemented, we aim to prevent the loss of life at sea.
"We hope this year to see a reduction in maritime accident incidents by issuing early warnings and educating the public on activities and precautions necessary for safe conduct," he told the reporters at a press conference after attending the MMEA's Media Day, here.
Rosli also spoke on the importance of wearing safety jackets and carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or similar device when carrying out maritime activities.
Speaking on the MMEA's assistance role during the monsoon season, he said the MMEA not only monitors the sea but also provides support through its fleet of rescue helicopters to the public.
"Our land-based air units have been instrumental in delivering food supplies and conducting various programmes in hard-to-reach areas where boat or land assets may be limited," he said.
The northeast monsoon, synonymous with heavy rains and flooding is expected to peak from late November until January next year.
Previously, Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip, said long-range forecasting models suggest rainfall this season will exceed last year's by 20 to 40 per cent.
He added that the Malaysia-Thailand border region is likely to experience slightly above-average rainfall from late November until January, while Sabah may see extended rainfall until February or March.
The risk of flooding, however, will depend on the specific volume of rainfall received over certain periods.