KUANTAN: As the school holidays begin today, parents have been advised to avoid bringing their children for water activities here due to the threat posed by the current northeast monsoon.
State Civil Defence Force (APM) director Colonel Che Adam A Rahman said the public especially children should avoid going for a dip in the water or participating in water sports activities.
"Visitors can walk along the sea shore but avoid going into the water. APM lifeguards will be on duty at Pantai Sepat, Teluk Cempedak and Cherating in Kuantan, as well as Pantai Hiburan in Rompin between 7am and 7pm daily.
"The red flags have been put up at the popular beaches to remind the public that all water activities are prohibited.
"Due to the unpredictable weather conditions with regular heavy downpour, recreational activities at waterfalls and riverside parks can be dangerous.
Unexpected heavy rain upstream (at waterfalls) could result the water column phenomenon of (kepala air) that could strike and result drowning," he said in a statement today.
Meanwhile, Che Adam said most of the picnic sites, camping areas and recreational forest under the management of the Pahang Forestry Department has been closed due to the monsoon season.
He said those participating in hiking and jungle trekking activities should obtain regular updates on the weather pattern and follow updates from the Malaysian Meteorological Department for weather forecasts.
"We are all aware about the erratic weather during the monsoon season. It rained in Kuantan yesterday but today the weather seems promising....we want everyone including the young children to be safe during the school holidays," he said.
Che Adam reminded the public to verify the information and images they receive about the weather as some irresponsible quarters would circulate photos from flood incidents which occurred several years ago.