KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a severe continuous rain warning for several areas in Sarawak, Sabah, and Labuan until Sunday (Dec 22).
In Sarawak, the warning covers Mukah, Bintulu, Miri (Subis, Beluru, Miri, and Marudi), and Limbang.
In Sabah, the affected areas include the interior districts of Sipitang, Tenom, Kuala Penyu, and Beaufort. The same warning applies to the Federal Territory of Labuan.
MetMalaysia has also issued a second cautionary alert for continuous rain in Sarawak, covering Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah (Tanjung Manis, Daro, Matu, and Dalat), and Kapit (Song and Kapit).
In Sabah, a similar alert is in place for the Interior (Nabawan, Keningau, and Tambunan), the West Coast, Sandakan (Telupid, Kinabatangan, Beluran, and Sandakan), and Kudat.
In a separate statement, MetMalaysia director-general Dr. Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip revealed that a low-pressure system formed over the waters of Sarawak on Friday (Dec 20).
Weather models indicate its intensity could potentially increase to a tropical depression within the next 24 to 48 hours.
The system is expected to move northward towards the central South China Sea. At the same time, the ongoing monsoon surge is set to persist until Dec 24.
"This condition could lead to continuous heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas in Sarawak, the Federal Territory of Labuan, Sabah, and the South China Sea waters,” he said.
In response to this, MetMalaysia updated the Continuous Rain Warning (Severe and Alert) until Dec 22, for the affected states.
The strong winds and rough seas warning remains in effect until Dec 24.
"MetMalaysia will continue to update the advice and warnings as the situation evolves,” he added.
The public is advised to regularly check the website www.met.gov.my and MetMalaysia's official social media, as well as download the myCuaca app for the latest and most accurate information. – Bernama
