MetMalaysia warns of storms, floods until November

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) today said that heavy rain and thunderstorms could be expected from October to November as the country moves through the monsoon transition phase following the end of the southwest monsoon period. 

In a statement, it said the transition phase was expected to begin on Oct 3 and continue until the following month. 

"During the monsoon transition phase, the country will experience weak winds from all directions, conducive to thunderstorms that usually bring heavy rain and strong winds within a short period of time.

"Such incidents occur mainly in the evening and early night in most areas of states on the west coast, the interior of the peninsula, west Sabah and central Sarawak," it said, adding that these weather conditions could cause flash floods and damage to unsound structures. 

MetMalaysia also cautioned the public to remain vigilant during this period, and to keep updated on weather forecasts and warnings.

It said this information would be available on its official website, its myCuaca application, and its social media platforms. 

The authorities are on flood alert this year following the massive floods which swept across several states including Selangor last December. 

The Department of Statistics said in a special report on the impact of the floods that they had caused an estimated RM6.1 billion in overall losses. 

Meanwhile, dozens died while more than 120,000 were displaced from their homes.  

Selangor was the worst hit overall, with about half of the country's losses recorded in the state, the report said.