LEVEL IN SUNGAI KELANTAN RISING

KOTA BHARU, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- The level of Sungai Kelantan at Tambatan D’Raja here has been rising due to continuous torrential rain, submerging the entire riverside area, which is a popular tourist attraction in the state.

Kelantan Civil Defence Force (APM) director Col (PA) Mohd Adzhar Mujab said the river’s water level has exceeded the danger point and has the potential to overflow into land areas.

He also said that the increasing rain intensity is causing upstream rivers to rise, leading to an overflow into Sungai Kelantan.

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"The water flowing from upstream is causing Sungai Kelantan to take in excess water, and we are concerned it will continue rising as the rain persists.

"I urge the public to stay away from the river as there is a risk of being swept away by the strong currents," he told Bernama today.

A Bernama survey this morning found that water from the swollen river was spilling onto the land near the city centre of Kota Bharu.

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The swift-flowing river has nearly swept away the Kelantan APM Marine Unit office, which is anchored on the riverbank.

A labourer, Ahmad Nizam Ismail, 39, said he has been monitoring the river since 8 am and is deeply concerned about the possibility of the river overflowing into the Kota Bharu city centre.

"Sungai Kelantan overflowed during the 2014 major floods, paralysing the city centre and causing significant property damage.

"I don’t mind spending the whole day at the observation tower monitoring the situation because I don’t want the major flood incident to happen again," he told Bernama.

Meanwhile, a cake vendor, Siti Fatimah Yaakub, 42, said during the monsoon season, people often gather at the observation tower to monitor the river's water level together.

"We cannot solely rely on the authorities to monitor the river, as they also need our help. We are very grateful for their dedication in working day and night to safeguard the people of this state," she said.

Yesterday, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued a warning on continuous torrential rain at a dangerous level for Kelantan and Terengganu, as well as the districts of Kuantan and Jerantut in Pahang, until tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA