KEMAMAN: A total of 23 families in the Kemaman and Dungun districts have been forced to seek refuge at temporary relief centres (PPS) due to the phenomenon of large waves hitting their homes near the coast.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) Terengganu director, Mohd Zul Khairi Shamsuddin, stated that 80 victims were involved, with 66 in Kemaman and 14 in Dungun. "In Kemaman, one PPS was opened at Dewan Kampung Geliga Pantai since yesterday with 19 families, while the Bandar Paka Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) Hall began operating as a PPS at 9 pm yesterday, housing four families," he explained.
He noted that those living near Pantai Geliga and Pantai Paka witnessed wave heights between 3.8 metres and 4 metres with speeds of 60 kilometres per hour, starting after dusk and continuing until midnight. The situation is currently under control, but if the wave conditions from yesterday recur, more residents may seek refuge at the PPS, though not in large numbers. "All seven districts, except for Hulu Terengganu, located along the coast are at risk of experiencing similar conditions if it recurs," he added.
Mohd Zul Khairi mentioned that 200 APM personnel have been deployed to monitor the situation across Terengganu, including in areas that are not at high risk, considering the low-lying geographical locations. Meanwhile, Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) Terengganu director, Rosli Zakaria, stated that large waves can be influenced by the perigee phenomenon, the full moon, as well as monsoon surges, though their effects vary depending on specific circumstances. The large waves and high surges are expected to continue in Terengganu until the end of the Northeast Monsoon, which is in March.
"For now, the strong winds and rough seas are expected to persist until Jan 18. While the large waves are a normal phenomenon, they will worsen when strong monsoon surges coincide with the spring tide," Rosli Zakaria told BERNAMA.
Individuals affected by the waves have shared their experiences. Mohd Shameer Talib, from Kampung Geliga Baru, recounted narrowly being struck by a roof that collapsed due to strong winds and large waves. He described the damage to his late mother's ancestral home and the loss of personal belongings. In Kuala Nerus, Manan Ali, a food stall and seafood trader, described his business premises collapsing due to severe erosion and massive waves. He expressed hope for a lasting solution to help residents increasingly threatened by erosion.
Abdul Wahab Othman, a chalet owner, rushed back from Kuala Lumpur after hearing about the destruction. Massive waves resulted in significant losses, as two of his chalets were completely destroyed. He reflected on the severity of this year's erosion, noting it as the worst in two decades.