PETALING JAYA: With the king tide phenomenon hitting the country, many states are scrambling to make preparations to face the likelihood of floods and evacuations.
Already, the effects of the phenomenon were clear as many parts of Kuala Lumpur were flooded on Tuesday, leaving thousands of motorists stranded.
Selangor, Penang, Perlis, Perak, Negri Sembilan and Melaka are among the states likely to be hit by the phenomenon, which is expect to last until Oct 21.
Selangor and Penang, which was also hit by storms last month, are well-prepared to face the phenomenon while other states are also rushing to brace for the worst.
In Ipoh, Hilir Perak OCPD Asst Comm Ahmad Adnan Basri said all preparations are in place with the police, the Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Department, People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) and the Social Welfare Department on standby.
“We will also conduct patrols and monitor the situation closely, especially when it rains heavily and the occurrence of the phenomenon,” he said.
The water level is expected to rise up to 3.4m in Hilir Perak and also Bagan Datuk.
The Hilir Perak Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) has warned that the phenomenon this time could be on a larger scale than in September, and could worsen if strong winds, large waves and heavy rain occur simultaneously, causing flash floods, a backflow of sea water and coastal flooding.
The high risk areas in Hilir Perak include Taman Karentina, Batak Rabit, Teluk Intan Town, Kampung Bahagia, Changkat Jong, Sungai Durian and areas close to the river.
In Bagan Datuk, the high risk areas included Rungkup, Teluk Bharu, Sungai Samak, Sungai Manila, Kampung Banang, Hutan Melintang area and the beaches.
ACP Ahmad Adnan also said two relief centres for flood victims have already been opened.
“About 110 people from 35 families have been relocated to the Padang Tembak multipurpose hall while 21 people from eight families are seeking shelter at the community hall in Labu Kubong,” he said.
In Seremban, state exco member Choo Ken Hwa said some low lying areas in Linggi in Port Dickson are usually hit during the king tide phenomenon.
“But generally, there has been no damage to property as the water rises only along the banks and in some areas in town,” he said.
The Lukut assemblyman said the authorities had built a 9km bund along Sg Linggi to reduce flooding there, while work was underway to build two more retention ponds.
In Melaka, a state Disaster Management Committee representative said it was prepared to face any eventualities.
“We have all mechanisms ready although the impact is expected to be manageable,” he said.
Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the state government was set to undertake a comprehensive study aimed at identifying effective solutions to tackle flood issues in low-lying areas.
He added that the state government has also allocated RM2.64mil for remedial measures in the areas affected by the flood in the Alor Gajah district.
As at 4pm yesterday, there were 31 flood victims still being sheltered at three evacuation centres.
