PASIR PUTEH: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has recommended that all 3,000 fishermen in Kelantan suspend fishing activities in the state following uncertain weather.

       MMEA Kelantan director Capt (maritime) Syed Nor Adli Syed Ab Rahman said the recommendation was due to choppy seas, strong winds, heavy rain and tidal surges that are expected to occur soon.

       "Continuous rain, choppy seas and strong winds that occurred since two days ago due to monsoon surge and a low pressure weather system have facilitated the forming of clouds.

       "This phenomenon resulted in the Meteorological Department to issue a category three warning due to strong winds of up to 60km an hour (km/h) and waves as high as 4.5m and heavy rain,” he said when contacted by Bernama Saturday (Feb 26).

       Syed Nor Adli added that the situation was very dangerous for recreational boats, fishing vessels and shipping as they may possibly become unstable and could overturn easily.

       "We will conduct periodic patrols to ensure there are no activities along the coastal areas and will remind communities of the danger,” he said.

       Meanwhile, Bachok area Fishermen Association chairman Saripudin Ishak said that they had ordered over 300 fishing vessels in the district not to go out to sea for a week beginning today due to unfavourable weather.

       "The current weather is uncertain and very extraordinary compared to last December. Therefore, we will monitor boats in Kuala Kemasin in turn at night to avoid any untoward incidents,” he said. - Bernama