ALOR SETAR: The threat posed by the king tide phenomenon is not yet over, even after it passed through without causing any major damage.
Kedah Fire and Rescue Department communications officer Mohamed Haiqal Izwan advised residents living in low-lying areas to remain vigilant as heavy rainfall could lead to widespread flooding in the coastal regions.
Concerns are growing that ongoing heavy rain across several northern states might exacerbate the situation.
However, Mohamed Haiqal noted that all four zones in the state, Kota Setar, Sungai Petani, Kulim, and Langkawi, have reported no flooding at this time.
“Currently, the situation is under control as long as the weather remains stable and heavy rain does not occur,” he stated.
Early yesterday morning, the water level at a nearby river in Kampung Pak Kiau, Pokok Sena, rose to about one metre due to high tide at around 2am, but had receded by 6am.
Coastal areas, including Kuala Kedah, Kubang Pasu, Kota Setar, and Kuala Muda, are expected to experience the king tide until tomorrow night.
“Residents in high-risk and coastal areas should remain alert and follow the authorities’ instructions regarding possible evacuations,” he advised.
The condition in Kedah has improved, with only four temporary relief centres still active in two districts.
These were the relief centres at Dewan Kompleks Rakan Sukan and SMK Pendang in Pendang as well as SMK Alor Merah and SMK Simpang Kuala in Kota Setar.
State Civil Defence Force (APM) deputy director Mejar Mohd Suhaimi Mohd Zain reported that as of noon yesterday, 596 people were sheltered in these centres, down from 618.
In Penang, Fire and Rescue Department operations deputy director Khairy Sulaiman advised the public not to engage in any outdoor activities near high-risk areas such as beaches and rivers.
All of the department’s personnel have been directed to monitor the situation during the king tide period, he said.
In Kuala Perlis, several villages were flooded early yesterday after seawater overflowed into nearby areas.
Perlis APM operations officer Kapt Saifuddin Abdullah reported that a team was dispatched to assist in affected areas, with high tide expected to continue until early Monday morning.
He warned that the king tide phenomenon will persist through tomorrow in coastal areas of Perlis and advised those living near the coastline to exercise caution and prepare accordingly.
Residents who live in the northern states near the coastal areas can contact the nearest Fire and Rescue Department stations or call their hotline at 994.
It was reported that six locations nationwide are projected to experience rising sea levels due to a spring tide phenomenon from Oct 18 to 20.
The Survey and Mapping Department reported that areas along the west coast of the peninsula will face extreme tidal conditions, including the Kuala Kedah jetty in Kedah.
