Tropical storm Senyar poses greatest risk to temporary structures like tents and market stalls, warns engineering expert, while proper buildings remain safe
KUANTAN: Temporary structures face the highest risk from tropical storm Senyar as it approaches Peninsular Malaysia, according to a civil engineering expert.
Dr Noram Irwan Ramli stated that while estimated wind speeds of 50 kilometres per hour are considered strong, they remain below levels capable of damaging properly engineered buildings.
“Among those most at risk are temporary structures such as tents, canopies, night market stalls, lightweight storage units and additional roofing,” said the Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology dean.
He identified poorly maintained old buildings and decayed large trees as additional hazards that could collapse onto vehicles or block roads.
Properly constructed brick houses, terrace houses and concrete buildings with adequate roof connections face minimal damage risk.
Noram Irwan noted that Malaysia’s rare experience with tropical storms results in lower public preparedness compared to neighbouring countries like the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
“In this situation, preparedness is more important than the wind strength itself,” he emphasised.
He recommended dismantling temporary structures, securing lightweight objects, postponing night markets and avoiding areas with weak large trees.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department detected the tropical storm entering Straits of Melaka waters yesterday afternoon.
The storm is expected to bring continuous heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas to Selangor, Perak and parts of Pahang. – Bernama
