Kuala perlis: The Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM) has forecasted that coastal flooding due to the perigean spring tide phenomenon could occur up to eight times next year in low-lying coastal areas, particularly in Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Muhammad Kenidi Awang Aziz, Director of Survey for the Vertical Reference Infrastructure Section, Geodetic Survey Division of JUPEM, stated that the prediction is based on data from the Langkawi Tide Gauge Station (STAPS). He explained that if the water level at Langkawi STAPS exceeds 170 centimeters above mean sea level, it could potentially lead to coastal flooding in Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis, and nearby areas like Kampung Warna Warni.
Muhammad Kenidi clarified that the estimated eight flooding events do not indicate consecutive days of flooding but rather periodic occurrences throughout the year. These events might happen once, twice, or more in a month, depending on the current data. He conveyed this information during a briefing to reporters in Kuala Perlis.
Furthermore, Muhammad Kenidi highlighted that JUPEM disseminates early warning information about potential coastal flooding to the public through various social media platforms, such as Facebook, TikTok, and the department's official website. This allows residents to take precautionary actions well in advance.
Residents, being aware of the potential flooding, often take preventive measures by securing belongings and relocating vehicles to higher ground, based on information shared by JUPEM or the National Hydrographic Centre (PHN).
In a related observation by a Bernama survey in Kampung Warna Warni, the perigean spring tide phenomenon occurred around midnight, peaking at about 2 am, causing floodwaters to rise to ankle level in homes before receding around 3 am. Villager Noor Fairus Omar, 29, mentioned that her family is accustomed to these high-tide conditions and always prepared for possible flooding by moving valuable items to safe locations.
"We in Kampung Warna Warni are always prepared for high tide and any potential flooding. My house frequently gets affected whenever this high-tide phenomenon occurs," she noted.