KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has warned the public and maritime community to stay clear of the beaches in east coast peninsula states following the Tropical Storm Pabuk forecast.
Its deputy director-general (Operations) Datuk Mohd Zubil Mat Som said the maritime community was also advised to take precaution measures on their vessels.
“They are advised against conducting activities like fishing and recreational tourism (programmes).
“MMEA personnel on the ground are also required to constantly monitor government assets and the detained vessels,” he said in a statement.
Mohd Zubil said the Malaysian Meteorological Department was on orange alert as of 11.45am on Thursday.
“Tropical storm Pabuk is now at 6.1 degrees north moving towards Segenting Kra (Malaysia-Thailand border) with the speed of 15km per hour (kmph).
“This will cause heavy rains, strong winds over 60kmph and choppy sea with wave of up to 4.5m high,” he said.
He said the storm was currently 179km and 243km away from Kuala Terengganu and Kota Baru towns, respectively.
“The strong winds and choppy sea pose danger to all ship activities, ferry services and oil platforms.
“The maritime community, especially fishermen, are advised to heed weather forecast available on the meteorological department’s website,” he said.