MetMalaysia: Be prepared for a wet year-end

PETALING JAYA: It will be a wet year-end with the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) forecasting the north-east monsoon will bring lots of rain during that period.

Its director-general Muhammad Helmi Abdullah said between four and six episodes of heavy rain were expected to occur during the north-east monsoon, which usually starts in mid-November and continues until next March.

From November to December, the weather would be more humid, especially in the east coast states of the peninsula, western Sarawak and eastern Sabah, he said.

“Usually the weather is rainy in the morning in the east coast states of the peninsula, western Sarawak and eastern Sabah.

“Meanwhile in the afternoon, thunderstorms and rain storms will occur in the west coast states of the peninsula, the interior of Sarawak and western Sabah,” he said in a statement to The Star.

He also said that during the north-east monsoon, if there was a downpour coupled with a low-pressure system, continuous rain could occur in the states concerned.

“Continuous heavy rain for a period of several days can result in flooding in low-lying areas and other flood-prone areas,” he said.

Helmi also advised residents in low-lying areas to be alert when there was heavy rain and to avoid activities in coastal areas.

“The public is also advised to keep important documents in a safe and easy-to-retrieve place in the event of any disasters,” he said, adding that they must also be prepared to immediately move to evacuation centres when directed.

At the end of this monsoon period, continuous heavy rain for the states involved was expected to decrease, he said.

“The public is advised to stay up-to-date with the weather forecasts and warnings issued by MetMalaysia,” he said.

Helmi added that MetMalaysia had been delivering weather briefings to disaster management agencies at the central, state and district levels since August, with the public also kept informed from time to time.

He also said that MetMalaysia was conducting round-the-clock monitoring and issuing advisories or warnings of heavy rain as well as strong winds and rough seas through the department’s official website, myCuaca mobile application, TV crawlers and the department’s social media pages.

“MetMalaysia will issue weather warnings in advance to disaster management agencies, local authorities, mass media and other related agencies,” he said, adding that the public could also call the department’s hotline at 1-300-22-1638 for further information.