KUALA LUMPUR, 18 SEPT – The occurrence of large waves in several areas in Penang and Pangkor Island, Perak yesterday was unusual, said the Director General of the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia), Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip.
He said the situation occurred because of the simultaneous presence of a large tide phenomenon due to the perigee condition, which is the position of the moon close to the earth and the full moon and the strong west wind.
“Continuous rain and rough sea conditions in the north of the peninsula due to strong westerly winds that are concentrated in the area,” he told Named.
He said METMalaysia had anticipated the situation in advance by issuing a Strong Wind and Rough Seas Warning in the waters of the Straits of North Malacca and Phuket, Thailand on September 12 for the effective period from last Sunday until today.
Mohd Hisham said the warning was updated yesterday with the effective period extended until this Saturday.
“In addition, METMalaysia has also issued a Persistent Rain Warning (WASPADA) on September 13 for the effective period from September 15 to tomorrow in Perlis, Penang, Kedah, and Perak for the areas of Kerian, Larut, Matang and Selama, Hulu Perak and Kuala Kangsar,” he said.
Therefore, he said the public is asked to be vigilant and get the latest information on the weather conditions by browsing the METMalaysia website and social media.
Yesterday, there were several incidents of large waves that hit areas including the coast of Penang, especially around Bersih Beach in Butterworth. – Named
