KOTA BHARU, Nov 19 —The Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has called on the public to avoid water activities throughout the northeast monsoon season.
Its director Md Salleh Sarbini said the unpredictable weather conditions since Tuesday evening may pose a hazard to those engaged in water activities at this time.
“The public should avoid beach outings such as going for picnics and swimming as well as using small boats to go out to sea.
“They are also urged to stay away from fast-flowing rivers or waterfalls where strong undercurrents are likely to occur to prevent untoward incidents,” he said when contacted by Bernama here.
Elaborating, Md Salleh said all officers and members have been put on alert in facing the monsoon season under the new norm following the COVID-19 outbreak.
“We have also carried out patrols at several main rivers, including at Rantau Panjang and Pasir Puteh. To date, the water level at the rivers is still at the normal range and the level at Sungai Golok is showing a downward trend, ” he said.
He also advised the public to abide by instructions are given by the authorities to evacuate to relief shelters (PPS), if their housing areas are flooded.
Earlier, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued an orange level bad weather warning with heavy rain expected to continue in several areas in the east coast states.
According to the Irrigation and Drainage Department, on its website (infobanjir.water.gov.my), as of 5pm, yesterday Sungai Golok in Rantau Panjang recorded a reading of 4.74 meters (m) below the normal 5.00 m level.