Fishermen taking big risk by going out to sea during the high tide

BUTTERWORTH: Fishermen in Penang are still going out to sea during the high tide phenomenon.

Ridzwan Rahim, 30, was spotted coming back from the sea at around 11am yesterday, where his boat was pounded by huge waves at Pantai Bersih in Bagan Ajam.

He said he had to earn a living, so he decided to go out early in the morning and return before the high tide.

“The tide was high but luckily for me, there was no strong wind,” he said yesterday.

Instead of leaving his boat in the water as usual, he pulled it to the shore as he was worried that the strong waves might damage the boat.

A check by The Star showed that people were still visiting tourist spots by the sea such as the Esplanade, Chew Jetty and Gurney Drive.

Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) Penang director Pang Ah Lek said no one was evacuated over the phenomenon yesterday.

He added that the highest water level recorded was 2.8m at 12.47pm, both on Penang Island and the mainland.

“The condition was under control but the water level is expected to rise 0.1m higher today, and 3m tomorrow and Wednesday,” he said, adding that there would be two high tides daily – one at around noon and the other at midnight.

Pang said other factors such as heavy rain and strong winds would also increase the water level.

“However, the public, especially those living near the sea and low-lying areas, need not panic.

“Just be alert of the water level and move out if it flows into the house. Water will usually subside within two hours if there is no rain.

“APM is always ready to assist the public,” he added.

Pang previously said the tides would potentially affect 10 areas in the state – Teluk Bahang, Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah, Teluk Kumbar and Balik Pulau on the island, and Penaga, Pantai Bersih, Teluk Air Tawar, Pulau Aman and Sungai Udang on the mainland.

The phenomenon is expected to last until Wednesday. Another round of high tides will happen between Nov 13 and 17.

The public can contact APM at 04-228 9012 or 04-226 3876 in case of emergency.