KOTA KINABALU: Residents of coastal communities in Sabah and neighbouring Labuan are being warned to brace for strong winds and rough seas during the monsoon transition phase beginning on Thursday (July 13).
According to First Admiral Che Engku Suhaimi Che Engku Daik, the director of Sabah and Labuan Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a thunderstorm warning for the period from Thursday until July 20.
This transitional phase will bring strong westerly winds reaching speeds of 50 to 60km/h, accompanied by waves as high as 4.5m in the waters off both the west and east coasts of Sabah.
“These conditions pose significant danger to small boats, passenger boats, and marine recreational activities,” Che Engku said in a statement.
“We advise the maritime community to stay updated with the warnings issued by the security authorities,” he added.
During this period, coastal community members are urged to prioritize the use of safety jackets for their own protection while at sea.
“People should also inform their families about their planned sea activities and their whereabouts,” Che Engku said.
He also emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of the boats being used and staying vigilant about the current weather conditions.
In the event of any incidents at sea, the community is advised to contact the 24-hour Sabah and Labuan MMEA operations center at 088-387 774 or the Malaysia Emergency Response Service (MERS) 999 number.
On Wednesday (July 12), Sabah’s west coast experienced flash floods following a five-hour downpour, resulting in landslips and damage to two houses in the Telipok refugee settlement scheme. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
In addition, five vehicles parked in a housing parking lot near Lintas were partially buried under debris during a landslide caused by the heavy rainfall.
MetMalaysia has attributed the bad weather to a low pressure system developing west of the Philippines and moving north-westerly towards southern China.
The weather agency expects an increase in the speed and concentration of westerly winds in the waters off western Sabah and northern Sarawak until Saturday (July 15).
Credit: The Star : News Feed
