High tides expected at several areas in Johor

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Residents staying near coastal areas in the state are urged to be extra cautious and keep track of the weather updates from time to time to be alert about the high tide.

State Health and Environment executive committee chairman Datuk Ayub Rahmat said that according to the Johor Meteorology Department, an unusual high tide is expected over four days from Oct 16 to Oct 20 in several parts of Johor.

“This is because the moon’s position is at its closest to the earth during that period, causing high tides,” he told reporters during a press conference held at Bangunan Dato’ Jaafar Muhammad here on Tuesday.

The areas expected to experience high tide are Johor Baru beach with tides that could go up to 3.9m, Tanjung Langsat (3.5m), Tanjung Pelepas (3.5m), Pasir Gudang (3.5m), Pulau Pisang (3.5m) and the Endau beach (3.4m).

Other areas affected include Sungai Belungkor where waves could reach up to 3.3m, Kuala Batu Pahat (3.2m), Mersing (3.2m) and Tanjung Sedili (3m).

“If there are any storms or strong winds during the four days at these areas, it may cause floods along the shoreline.

“We also urge the public to avoid any recreational activities by the beach during the period to avoid any untoward incidents from happening,” he added.

In a separate development, Ayub said that the government has been given the honour of delivering the keynote address at the fifth annual Low Carbon Asia Research Network (LoCARNet) meeting in Bandung on Oct 25.

He added that this was in recognition of Johor being the first state in Malaysia as well as in Southeast Asia to have a low carbon society master plan for Iskandar Malaysia and its five local councils.

“The five local councils are Johor Baru City Council, Johor Baru Central Municipal Council, Kulai Municipal Council, Pasir Gudang Municipal Council and Pontian Municipal Council working towards low carbon development,” he said.