Jamil (second from right) checking a rainfall measurement device during his visit to the MetMalaysia office in Mersing.
MERSING is expected to receive three times the usual amount of rainfall until December, during the coming monsoon season.
Mersing district officer Jamil Hasni Abdullah said the northeast monsoon was expected to reach the district at the end of this month and would last until next year.
“Our main concern is the next two months.
“Last year, according to data from Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), we recorded between 400mm and 800mm of rain from October to December.
“This year, we anticipate receiving between 270mm and 410mm in November, and between 410mm and 700mm in December.
“Although there were no major issues last year, we may need to take extra precautions this year due to the perigee phenomenon, when the moon is closest to the Earth, leading to higher king tides,” said Jamil.
He explained that the perigee was expected to occur this Oct 19 and 20, Nov 15 and 20 as well as Dec 14 and 19.
“These are the dates we are particularly concerned about.
“If heavy rainfall coincides with the king tide, there is a high risk of flooding in Mersing.”
He said a district disaster management committee meeting was held on Oct 1, followed by a state-level meeting on Oct 10, to prepare for emergencies.
“Our preparations are complete.
“We have identified 48 flood-prone areas in Mersing.
“We have also inspected all 31 temporary relief centres in the district to ensure they are ready to accommodate evacuees if needed,” he said, adding that food supplies had already been distributed.
Jamil also said the Johor Welfare Department had activated its “Bantuan Pangkalan Hadapan” food package initiative for 10 locations in the district including Orang Asli villages (KOA) and the surrounding islands.
“The food supplies will last for two months and we aim to complete distribution by the end of this month,” he said.
The 10 locations are Pulau Sibu, Pulau Tinggi, Pulau Aur, Pulau Pemanggil, Pulau Besar, KOA Punan, KOA Tewowoh, KOA Peta, KOA Tanah Abang and KOA Tanjung Tuan, with 1,208 recipients.
When asked about halting tourism activities on Mersing’s islands due to bad weather and rough seas, Jamil said a decision was expected next month.
