Heavy rain in Sabah, S’wak until January

KUALA LUMPUR: The states in the east coast of the peninsula as well as western Sarawak are expected to receive heavy rainfall that could trigger floods during the northeast monsoon season from this month until January.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Madius Tangau said during the period, the Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) expected the country to receive heavy rainfall of up to five times than average that could lead to massive floods.

“For the peninsula, Kelantan and Terengganu are expected to receive heavy rainfall of 700 millimetres (mm) in November and December, while Pahang and eastern Johor are expected to receive 400 mm rain in December and January.

“This situation can cause floods especially in the low-lying and flood-prone areas,” he said this during a question and answer session at the Dewan Rakyat sitting yesterday.

He was replying to a question fro mD atuk Dr No rain iAhmad(B NPar itSulong)w ho wanted to know whether the northeast monsoon is viewed as a phenomenon that would cause major floods and other disasters and the ministry's preparedness in monitoring it.

He said Sabah was expected to receive heavy rainfall in December and January with 400 mm to 450 mm of rains especially in Kudat and Sandakan.

“Most parts of Sarawak will receive about 350 mm of rain in November and December, but Kuching and Samarahan will receive between 400 mm and 500 mm rain in January.

“Typically such weather can cause floods in the low-lying lands and river bank areas. If heavy rains fall at the same time as high tide, the risk of floods occurring is higher,” he said.

Madius said, apart from 24hour operation, among other measures to be implemented was the activation of METMalaysia's operation room when categories of warnings were issued to ensure more effective monitoring and avoid downtime on the delivery system.

At the state level, weather briefings were given out to respective disaster management agencies to ensure their readiness for the monsoon season.

He said the department would also change the categories of warnings posted on the METMalaysia website to yellow, orange and red to make it easier for the general public to understand and follow the instruction accordingly. - Bernama