Port Klang coast on alert

Razif (right) seen here with the amphibious rescue inflatable boat, says Port Klang Fire and Rescue Station is well prepared to deal with flash flooding in the area.

Seawater levels expected up to 5.7m during high-tide phenomenon from April 8, folk urged not to go out to sea

COASTAL communities living along Port Klang are warned to stay vigilant and brace for high tides as well as potential flooding next week, with sea levels expected to reach up to 5.7m.

According to Port Klang Fire and Rescue Station chief Razif Mohamad Haris, the four-day high-tide phenomenon was expected to start on Monday, just before Hari Raya Aidilfitri, but he assured that authorities were ready to face any eventuality.

Razif said there could be flash flooding if high tides coincided with continuous rain.

According to the National Hydrographic Centre in Port Klang, the high-tide phenomenon was forecast for four days, and would occur in the evenings.

On April 8, the tide is expected to reach 5.6m high as at 6.09pm, while on April 9, it could hit 5.7m at 6.47pm.

The next day’s high is forecast at 5.6m at 7.22pm, while on April 11, it could reach a high of 5.4m at 7.54pm.

Razif warned that waters were also expected to be choppy during those four days, posing a risk of a deluge in low-lying areas.

“We advise local fishermen and coastal residents of Port Klang against going out to sea.

“The highest sea level is expected at 5.7m on the second day, which is concerning.

“We urge all those living along the Port Klang coastal stretch to be vigilant,” he said.

Razif said areas particularly vulnerable to the high-tide phenomenon in Port Klang were North Port, South Port, West Port, Jalan Syahbandar (Foreshore Road), Telok Gong, Pulau Indah, Kampung Delek and Sungai Udang.

In the event of a crisis, the Klang district officer will assume the role of Klang District Disaster Management Committee chief.

Razif added that all stations in the district were on high alert, and reminded residents in high-risk areas to follow instructions issued by the authorities in the event of flash floods.

The Port Klang Fire and Rescue Station at Persiaran Raja Muda Musa is responsible for five stations – Sri Andalas (Jalan Tun Dr Ismail), south Klang (Jalan Tengku Kelana), north Klang (Sungai Pinang), Kapar (Persiaran Hamzah Alang) and Pulau Indah (Jalan Samudera).

It has 60 men as well as an amphibious rescue inflatable boat with retractable wheels and an outboard motor that can operate on land and water.

“We will have 45 men on standby with two fire engines: one stationed at Pulau Indah and another at the Port Klang station,” said Razif.

Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) enforcement chief Andry Arman Masrom said the Swift Action Task Force (Pantas) will be on alert and respond if flash floods occurred.

Pantas is the team that handles emergencies and disasters at city council level.

“Our task force of 45 personnel in four teams will be on standby around the clock to monitor the situation.

“We are prepared for any eventuality.

“MBDK’s closed-circuit television camera unit that monitors traffic will also look out for flash floods,” said Andry.

In case of emergency, the public can contact the National Emergency Line at 999 or Klang District Disaster Operation Centre at 03-3371 6700.