KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia put its emergency services on alert on Friday in anticipation of tropical storm Pabuk affecting its east coastal states.
Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department has instructed its stations to conduct monitoring and patrol along the coastal areas to ensure the safety of the people and be ready to render assistance when the need arises, according to state news agency Bernama.
The northern states of Kelantan and Terengganu on the east coast region of Peninsula Malaysia are expected to receive heavy rain and 40 km per hour winds, potentially damaging houses and other structures besides the risk of flash floods.
Earlier Malaysian state-owned oil and gas company Petronas said it had activated its emergency response team after stormy weather left several offshore oil rig workers stranded in the waters off Terengganu.
Petronas said in a statement that the company had prioritized the safety of its workers and liaising with the relevant authorities and closely monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, Malaysia's popular tourist island Langkawi in another northern state of Kedah was on alert for strong winds with residents and tourists being advised to stay away from the island beaches.
Local official said high waves were expected on Saturday and advised against all water recreational activities, fishing and sailing.
