PETALING JAYA: Malaysians living along the coast are now extra alert for a high tide phenomenon following massive floods that hit parts of the country on Dec 18.

       Observations by Bernama in several villages in Kota Kuala Muda in Sungai Petani, Kedah, found that people had taken heed of the warning issued by the Coastal Zone Management Division of the Irrigation and Drainage Department.

       A villager of Kampung Hujung Matang, Hasnah Mohd Rejab, 57, said she had kept all her important items and documents in a safe place and packed suitable clothes in preparation for the phenomenon.

       “Electrical appliances are now put on a higher level and in fact, we are ready to move should the situation worsen.

       Nonetheless, based on checks by Bernama yesterday, the high tide phenomenon has not hit the Kota Kuala Muda area yet.

       Hasnah said her family took the warning seriously as they were fearful of experiencing the tsunami of 2004 again.

       A villager of Kampung Hujung Matang, Roslina Ismail, 47, said she and her family were prepared for any eventuality by putting their important items and documents in a secure place.

       “My family and I went through some anxious moments when the high tide phenomenon occurred two years ago. I was asleep but suddenly woke up at 4am to see water rising,” she said.

       A resident of Kampung Paya, Mohd Tarmizi Hassanudin, 50, said his family is used to major high tides.

       “We have already been on the alert for a long time... besides, I experienced the 2004 tsunami. All electrical appliances have to be moved to a higher place to ensure the safety of myself and my family,” he said.

       Kedah Civil Defence Force (APM) Captain (PA) Saifuddin Abdullah said the seawater level reading as at Sunday midnight was 2.31m and had not affected Kuala Muda yet.

       He said APM is monitoring sea levels from the Pantai Merdeka Observation Tower.

       In SEREMBAN, the public and maritime community, especially fishermen, have been advised to be vigilant or postpone their activities at sea and along the beach in Negri Sembilan in view of the current poor weather conditions.

       Melaka and Negri Sembilan Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency director Capt (Maritime) Haris Fadzillah Abdullah said this was because the high tide phenomenon is forecast to hit coastal areas of the state until Jan 5.

       He said strong north-easterly winds and choppy seas with waves of up to 1.5m high, which could pose a danger to small boats, are also expected in the waters of Negri Sembilan, Bernama reported.

       “Most of the fishermen registered in the state are Class A fishermen who use small boats.

       “However, if the situation urgently requires them to go to sea, they must always take appropriate safety measures, such as wearing a safety jacket and ensuring that their boats are in good condition.

       “The must also carry with them a personal locator beacon to facilitate (response) in the case of an emergency and contact the state’s Maritime operations centre at 06-3876730 or 999, which operates 24 hours a day, for immediate assistance,” he said.