KUALA LUMPUR: The phenomenon of large waves at several locations in Penang and Pulau Pangkor, Perak, is unusual, said the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip.
He said such natural incidents occur due to the simultaneous presence of the high tide phenomenon brought about by the perigee condition or the moon's close proximity to the earth as well as the full moon and strong westerly winds.
"Continuous rain and rough sea conditions in the north of the peninsula are due to strong westerly winds that converged to the area," he told Bernama on Wednesday (Sept 18).
He said MetMalaysia had anticipated the condition and warned of strong winds and rough seas in the waters of the north of Melaka Strait and Phuket, Thailand, from last Sunday until Wednesday.
The warning, however, was updated on Tuesday (Sept 17) and extended until this Saturday.
"In addition, MetMalaysia has also issued a warning of continuous rain at alert level for the effective period from Sept 15 to 19 in Perlis, Penang, Kedah and Perak for the areas of Kerian, Larut, Matang and Selama, Hulu Perak and Kuala Kangsar," he said.
He urged the public to always be vigilant and get the latest information on weather conditions by browsing the MetMalaysia website and its social media platforms.
On Tuesday, large waves hit several areas, including the coast of Penang, especially around Pantai Bersih in Butterworth.
Video clips recorded by traders in Pantai Bersih area and at the Bagan Ajam R&R went viral on social media showing waves reaching business outlets and causing damage to equipment, but there were no untoward incidents.
Other locations such as Padang Kota or Esplanade were also affected when water overflowed into the Medan Renong food court, causing customers to run to safety while traders rushed to save their goods.
Also going viral are several videos showing large waves hitting Pulau Pangkor including Teluk Nipah, Perak. – Bernama
