Monsoon high at month’s end

Metmalaysia: east coast could receive 20% to 40% more rainfall

PUTRAJAYA: The north-east monsoon is expected to reach its peak at month’s end, with a high rain distribution on the Malaysiathailand border, the east coast states and Sabah and Sarawak.

Malaysian Meteorological Department (Metmalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said during the period, these states are expected to receive 20% to 40% more rainfall.

He said for peninsular states, the period starts from the end of November until early January.

For Sabah, the north-east monsoon is expected to last until February or March.

“Even if the forecast expects rainfall to increase by 20% to 40%, it does not necessarily mean that major floods will occur.

“That would only happen if high rainfall is recorded in a short period of time, such as more than 20% in two days,” he said after a session on the government’s preparations for the north-east monsoon season held at the Special Malaysian Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team headquarters.

Mohd Hisham also called on the public to download the mycuaca application as a reference for weather forecasts in their respective locations.

“Latest information regarding the weather will be announced through the application,” he said, Bernama reported.

The Irrigation and Drainage Department’s national flood forecasting and warning centre deputy director, Dr Salwa Ramly, said her department had carried out maintenance work on 500 flood warning sirens in preparation for the monsoon.

She said the sirens warn residents based on the status of the river’s water level with a sound that can be heard up to 2km away.

Salwa said the public have also been asked to report instances of damage to flood warning sirens in their area so that repairs can be done promptly.

“Even if the forecast expects rainfall to increase by 20% to 40%, it does not necessarily mean that major f loods will occur.” Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip