Gearing up for rough seas


Team work: A group of fisherman cleaning their net after returning from their morning trip to the sea at Kuala Muda, Kepala Batas, Penang. They would monitor weather conditions to play it safe this monsoon season. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

KEPALA BATAS: On normal days, they would go out to the sea to fish in the wee hours but come the monsoon season, fishermen are extra careful and will only venture out later in the day.

Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMsia) had issued a warning that the northeast monsoon is expected to start on Saturday, bringing with it several episodes of heavy rainfall until next March.

Firdaus Abu Hassan, 34, said he would monitor the weather patterns on the METMsia website and also on social media for his own safety.

“Normally, my friends and I will go out to the sea early in the morning, about 3am or 4am every day, but during the monsoon season, we change our routine. We will go out about 10am or later,” he said when met at Kuala Muda fisherman jetty yesterday.

Firdaus said usually they would also look out for the wind condition as it could be dangerous for small boats.

“It’s my practice to inform my family members every time before I go out to sea.

“It is important to let someone know my whereabouts. In case something happened to me, they would know what to do,” he said.

Webull brings the stock market to your fingertips

Another fisherman, Ismail Hamid, 62, said during the monsoon season, he would always remind his crew that they would not be going out to the sea as the waters could be choppy and dangerous.

“Even for an experienced fisherman like me, I could get killed if I insist on going out to fish during adverse weather condition,” he said, adding that most fishermen would check the weather forecast first before going out to fish.

Seberang Prai Fisherman Association chairman Mahadi Md Rodzi urged all his members to exercise caution during the northeast monsoon season.

“Fishermen who like to go out at night or in the wee hours should be extra careful as heavy rain is likely to occur during the monsoon, thus affecting their vision.

“So, it is advisable for them to go out to the sea during the day,” he said.

METMalaysia, in a statement yesterday, said heavy rainfall is expected in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor and western Sarawak.

“If the monsoon wind is strong and coincides with the presence of a low-pressure weather system, continuous heavy rain can occur in other states of Malaysia.

“Continuous heavy rainfall for several days can lead to flooding in low-lying and flood-proned areas,” said the statement.

The department also advised the public to regularly monitor its website www.met.gov.my, all social media platforms and download the myCuaca app for the latest and accurate information.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Others Also Read


All Headlines:

Want to listen to full audio?

Unlock unlimited access to enjoy personalise features on the TheStar.com.my

Already a member? Log In