PETALING JAYA: The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has urged all aviation stakeholders to remain vigilant and prioritise safety throughout the duration of tropical storm Senyar.
In an advisory issued on Thursday (Nov 27), CAAM chief executive officer Datuk Norazman Mahmud said continuous monitoring of Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) advisories and adherence to CAAM guidance remain critical to safeguarding operational continuity and aviation safety
“We aim to alert all air traffic controllers, flight crew, and aerodrome operators of the increasing aviation safety risks associated with Tropical Storm Senyar, currently active over the Straits of Malacca.
“It reinforces the need for enhanced operational vigilance, accurate meteorological awareness, and precautionary safety measures,” he said.
MetMalaysia previously issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Senyar, detected at latitude 3.6°N and longitude 99.9°E approximately 102 km southwest of Lumut, Perak.
The storm is moving east-southeast across the Straits of Malacca towards the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia at a speed of approximately 24 km/h.
“Such a phenomenon is uncommon in Malaysia due to its equatorial position and is expected to generate continuous heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough sea conditions affecting the western and central regions of Peninsular Malaysia from Nov 27 to 29.
“Tropical storms present serious risks due to the combination of extreme wind shear, convective activity, intense precipitation, lightning, rapidly shifting pressure systems, and reduced visibility.
“These conditions can compromise flight safety during all phases of flight, particularly during take-off, approach, and landing,” Norazman said.
He added that strong wind gradients and unpredictable directional shifts could result in moderate to severe turbulence.
“Microburst events pose critical risks during take-off and landing, and there will be reduced visibility and instrument reliance. This is because heavy precipitation and cloud cover reduce visibility, requiring reliance on Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) procedures,” he said.
Meanwhile, electrical storm hazards such as lightning pose risks to aircraft systems, aerodrome infrastructure, and ground personnel, especially during refuelling operations.
“(There may be) potential disruptions to ground handling, refuelling, passenger movements, and ramp safety due to adverse conditions.
“Ensure drainage systems, emergency response teams, and backup power systems are fully operational,” said Norazman.
