PETALING JAYA: Water sports operators and enthusiasts are urged to prioritise safety during the northeast monsoon, which brings rough seas, strong winds and unpredictable conditions to parts of the country.
All permanent forest reserves and eco-forest parks in Selangor will be closed to hiking from Nov 16 to Jan 31, 2027, to prevent accidents and protect visitors during the monsoon season.
In Johor, Taman Eko Rimba Gunung Pulai 1 is closed until further notice for slope repair works, with recreational activities and hiking prohibited throughout the closure.
The Northeast Monsoon, which began on Oct 27 and is expected to continue until March 2027, also poses risks to divers, surfers, canoeists and tourists travelling by boat, particularly along the east coast of the peninsula.
Malaysia Scuba Diving Association president Aminor Azmi Abdul Latip said rough seas could make boat journeys, boarding and disembarking, as well as divers’ movements at the surface, more dangerous.
He urged operators to check marine weather forecasts before departures, assess return routes and diving sites, and ensure boats and safety equipment were in good condition.
“Sea conditions that look good at the jetty may not be the same in open waters. Operators should consult boat captains and diving teams, and allow them to stop activities if conditions change.”
Aminor said operators should also provide sufficient life jackets, functioning communication equipment, emergency oxygen and first-aid kits, and inform customers in advance of possible schedule changes or cancellations.
He added that tourists should heed advice to postpone activities when conditions were unsafe.
“The sea will still be there for us to enjoy when conditions are more suitable. The most important thing is that everyone returns safely,” he said.
Malaysia Board of Canoe Education coach and sports and recreation risk management expert Dr Jaffry Zakaria said the monsoon posed particular risks to canoeists and kayakers along the east coast, especially in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang.
“Strong winds, high waves, powerful currents and sudden water surges could overturn boats and make self-rescue difficult, while river mouths could become dangerous when runoff met incoming tides.”
Jaffry said operators should monitor forecasts through the Malaysian Meteorological Department’s myCuaca platform and suspend activities when weather warnings or dangerous conditions alerts are issued.
“Many recreational paddlers assume calm morning waters will remain safe, but conditions can change rapidly,” he said, adding that participants should wear properly fitted personal flotation devices and avoid paddling alone.
He also called for clear safety procedures, trained guides and reliable communication equipment during water activities.
Meanwhile, surf camp managing director Tengku Azizan Tengku Hussein said east coast destinations, including Kuala Pahang in Pekan, Tioman Island, Cherating, Terengganu and parts of Johor, could be affected by rough seas during the monsoon.
“We expect rough seas, strong winds and strong rip currents. Conditions can change quickly, so good swells are what surfers are looking for. Surfers should know their limits and assess whether they can handle the waves,” she said.
“Safety comes first for every surfing event. We have daily safety briefings, on-site emergency and lifeguard teams, as well as trained marshals in the water.”
Tengku Azizan advised beginners not to enter the sea without a certified instructor familiar with local wave conditions.
