KUALA NERUS: Almost half of a 200-metre stretch of road fronting the beach at Mengabang Telipot in Kampung Kolam here eroded at dawn on Monday after being lashed by monsoonal tidal waves.
Concerns over the vulnerable road had earlier prompted authorities to cordon off the area from motorists and the general public, thus avoiding untoward incidents.
“There were no mishaps involving motorists or other members of the public.
“We are monitoring the situation closely, and the relevant agencies (like the Drainage and Irrigation Department, and the Public Works Department) have been alerted to take remedial measures,” said Terengganu Civil Defence Force director Lt Col Che Adam Abdul Rahman.
He said that his department is also monitoring flooded areas in the state, and is ready to render prompt assistance to affected residents.
Terengganu is facing what is believed to be the third cycle of the north-easterly monsoon which has inundated several parts of the state since last month.
On Dec 10 last year, the same area suffered erosion from 3.5-metre high monsoonal tidal waves, forcing motorists to drive along the road with great caution.
The tidal waves were so powerful that they also damaged several parts of the wave-breaker not far from the beach.
The incident grabbed the attention of Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman, who personally surveyed the area and ordered the relevant agencies to take remedial measures.
The Malaysia Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) issued a warning on Monday that Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and eastern Johor will be whipped by strong north-easterly winds of up to 60km per hour, generating waves of up to 4.5 metres, until Thursday.
Similar conditions are forecasted over the waters off Sarawak, Sabah (interior, west coast and Kudat) and Labuan.
In a statement, METMalaysia said that the harsh weather conditions will be dangerous to all shipping and coastal activities, including fishing and ferry services.
It added that coastal regions of the affected areas will be vulnerable to a rise in sea level, which is expected to occur during the period.