Be wary of strong winds and big waves in east coast, Johor folks told

JOHOR BARU: Although all flood relief centres in Johor have been closed, the state government has reminded the public to be wary of strong winds and big waves in east Johor.

State Health and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Ayub Rahmat said strong winds of 40-50km/h and high tides reaching a height of 3.5m are expected in the east of Johor as well as Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan.

He said the situation would go on from Feb 11 to Feb 14 according to the Meteorological Department.

"The strong winds and choppy seas could pose a danger to small boats and those engaging in water sports and recreational activities by the sea," he said in a statement on Thursday.

Popular beach and sea activity spots such as Mersing and Desaru are located on Johor's east coast.

During the floods in January, more than 8,100 flood victims in Johor were forced to evacuate their homes and seek shelter at the 73 relief centres statewide.

Segamat was the worst affected area with 27 flood relief centres followed by districts like Tangkak, Kota Tinggi and Mersing.

Flood relief centres eventually closed as the water receded. The last evacuation centre, at the Batu Badak hall in Segamat, was closed at 3pm on Feb 8.