MetMalaysia denies cold temperatures will hit country

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has denied that cold temperatures reaching 20 degrees Celsius will hit the country, especially in Kelantan and Perak this month.  

In a statement Monday, MetMalaysia said based on the minimum temperature last month, it was not expecting February to record a drop in temperature as reported in the media.  

"The minimum temperature in January was generally hotter by one to two degrees Celsius.  

"MetMalaysia has forecast that the same condition will persist until June.  

“Generally, the temperature in Malaysia's tropical climate is between 22 degrees Celsius at dawn, and 35 degrees Celsius in the afternoon,” it said.  

The Department said the increase in temperature was due to the El Nino phenomenon that caused temperatures to rise between 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius.  

MetMalaysia said it was monitoring developments and that any updates can be obtained through the hotline [phone], or its official website, and social media.  

A newspaper reported that the peninsula, especially in Kelantan and Perak, is expected to enjoy a cool and comfortable temperature that is anticipated to drop to 20 degrees Celsius throughout February. - Bernama