High Tide: Residents Relieved Water Level Remains Low, Take Early Precautions

BATU PAHAT, Dec 3 (Bernama) -- Residents in Taman Nira and Kampung Muhibbah expressed relief that the high tide today did not rise above riverbanks or nearby drains. Despite this, they remained prepared for any possibility following last month’s incident.

Mahmood Ibrahim, 78, who has lived in the area since 1985, said the high tide events over the past decade have been unusual and often entered homes.

He said that as of 10 am today, the tide was still occurring but remained within the banks and off the roads, though residents continued taking early precautions.

“The high tide is expected to continue until Sunday or Monday, and we are grateful the water level is low. Besides disrupting daily routines, high tides raise concerns about venomous animals such as snakes entering homes,” he said.

Mahmood said the phenomenon, once occurring annually in December, now happens almost every month.

He added that residents check monthly tide forecasts issued by the Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS) and rely on its social media alerts.

Another resident, Nurul Syuhadah Ab Razak, 24, said they prepared for potential flooding by placing important belongings in higher and safer locations.

“According to JPS updates, the tide is expected to be higher on Saturday (Dec 6) compared to today when the water only filled the river and drains without spilling onto the road,” she said.

A Bernama check between 8.30 am and 10 am in Taman Nira, Kampung Muhibbah and Kampung Dalam Peserai found that water levels remained below the riverbanks and did not disrupt daily activities.

According to Johor flood forecast and warning data issued by the National Hydrography Centre yesterday, Batu Pahat, Johor Bahru, Muar, Kukup and Mersing are expected to experience high tide levels of between 2.4 and 3.6 metres from Dec 3 to 10.

-- BERNAMA