High waves lash Penang, fishermen advised against going to sea

GEORGE TOWN, June 11 – Waves as high as 3.5 metres lashed the Padang Kota Lama area this evening, raining sea water onto the pedestrian walkway and car parking bays along the road there.

The Weather Forecast Centre of the Meteorological Department reported that the waves were brought on by winds with a force of 40km to 50km per hour.

Its director, Muhammad Helmi Abdullah, said the sea was rough and advised fishermen against going out to sea.

The situation was expected to persist until June 15, he said when contacted.

He also said that directives had been issued to fishermen in the northern states of Perlis and Kedah to remain onshore until the situation improved.

A fisherman of Tanjong Bungah, Salleh Ahmad, 42, said he and fellow fishermen feared to go out to sea and had been fishing only in coastal waters over the past few days.

“We dare not venture out to sea for fear of strong winds and waves. The weather is uncertain and there has been heavy rain of late,” he said.

Nevertheless, an angler in the Padang Kota Lama area, Tan Ah Wah, 32, said the high waves were a blessing in disguise because it was easier to catch fish. – Bernama