Malaysia: High tide phenomenon to hit west coast this month and November

FAZLEENA AZIZ New Straits Times 27 Sep 16;

PUTRAJAYA: The high tide phenomenon is expected to hit the west coast of the peninsula from Oct 17 to 20 and Nov 14 to 17.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said the recent floods in Selangor (Klang, Sabak Bernam and Kuala Selangor), Perak (Bagan Datoh) and Kedah (Kuala Muda) was the result of the high-scale tidal water phenomenon.

He said the phenomenon, coupled with high waves and strong wind, also contributed to the floods in the three states from Sept 16 to 21.

“Immediate action must be taken with structural and non-structural measures through fixing existing bunds, building rock bunds, and increasing the height of the bunds for the long term.

“For the short term, the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) will place sandbags in the affected areas,” he said after chairing the Central Disaster Management Committee meeting, today, He said evacuation would be carried out before the flooding and victims will be sent back home soon after flood waters subside.

Shahidan said mangroves and avicennia plants would be planted in high-risk areas to reduce the impact of the overflow of water.