High Tide: Kukup Residents Rely On PHN Forecast, Tide Monument For Preparedness

PONTIAN, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- The tide level forecast issued by the National Hydrographic Centre (PHN) has become a key reference for housewife Saleha Rahmat, 37, who relies on it to prepare for the risk of flooding caused by the high tide phenomenon in Kukup.

The mother of two said the forecast provides early indications of changes in sea levels throughout the year, helping her family plan preventive measures in advance.

“I have printed out the table since the beginning of the year. It contains complete data for the entire year, including tide height readings, times and months,” she said, adding that she has also pasted it on the wall at home so that her family is always aware of the changes.

“I mark important dates in green and orange to indicate the days when the sea level is expected to rise,” she said when met while cleaning her yard, which was flooded due to the phenomenon on Jalan Zamrud, Pekan Kukup.

She said that based on the forecast, her family would move important items and household appliances, such as washing machines, and relocate their vehicles to higher ground whenever a high tide phenomenon is expected to occur.

“So far, the highest water level has only reached calf level. The water hasn’t entered the house in the past few days, although parts of the town have been flooded. This table has been very helpful,” she said.

“In Kukup, there is a tide level monument that displays the sea level forecast, which serves as an important reference for the local community,” she said.

A trader, Jia Mee, 26, said she also relies on the tide level monument - developed by the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM), the Pontian Municipal Council (MDP) and the Johor government - as a permanent reference when facing the high tide phenomenon.

“I pass by this monument daily. The information displayed - such as the date, water level readings and time - is very helpful. Sometimes I overlook important dates, so having this monument really makes things easier,” Jia said.

Since last Thursday, Kukup town has been experiencing high tides, with water levels rising to calf level and causing flooding on several main roads.

A check by Bernama at 4 pm found that water levels had begun to recede.

According to the PHN’s tide forecast, the highest water level in Kukup was recorded today at about 1.10 pm, reaching 3.4 metres, and is expected to reach 3.3 metres at 1.54 pm tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA