According to The Straits Times, rainstorms are pelting the area. On Sunday, Malaysia saw flooding in seven states, causing more people to be evacuated to makeshift shelters, despite the Meteorological Department issuing a rain warning for most states until Tuesday.
Residents living along the coast, particularly those on Peninsular Malaysia's west coast, have been warned to be on the lookout for a four-day high tide that is expected to begin on Sunday (Jan 2).
125,490 individuals have been relocated around the country. (Photo / Retrieved from Pixabay)
"Although the high tide phenomenon this time is on a smaller scale than November last year," the Drainage and Irrigation Department said in a statement on Sunday, "the situation can get worse if strong winds, tidal waves, and heavy rain occur simultaneously, which can cause flash floods, overflow of seawater, and coastal flooding."
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Kuala Muda in Kedah; Bagan Datoh in Perak; Klang, Kuala Langat, Sabak Bernam, and Kuala Selangor in Selangor; and Batu Pahat and Pontian in Johor are among the locations predicted to be affected by this phenomena.
The public, particularly beachgoers, is encouraged to exercise extreme caution in the regions listed, according to the department.
Floods had hit the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Sabah as of Sunday, with 8,727 people being relocated to 128 rescue centers across the country.
"Allah bless you" (God). On Sunday, Twitter user HermyR posted a video of himself standing knee-deep in water right outside his Melaka home, writing, "My house was practically swamped."
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The government is projected to spend RM1 billion (S$324 million) on infrastructure repairs while simultaneously preparing for a possible second flood wave.
Damaged infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and slopes, must be restored swiftly, according to Works Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Wan Uzir Sulaiman, to provide access and connectivity.
"The second wave of flooding is causing us concern. The current floods have caused a lot of damage, and the second wave could cause even more," he said on Sunday, according to the Bernama news agency.
"We've already identified 'damaged' slopes and taken procedures to prevent landslides," says the official.
According to the National Disaster Management Agency, 125,490 individuals have been relocated around the country due to excessive rain in the last two weeks. A total of 117,700 people have already returned home.
