KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 — Malaysia has officially entered the North-east monsoon season — and with months of heavy rain expected, the question isn’t whether floods and landslides will happen, but whether we’re ready for them.
As announced at the end of October by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) director, Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, the monsoon is expected to last until March 26 of next year, with the possibility of extended rainfall into April.
It’s important to note that this season has historically been linked to significant weather events. For instance, in 2021, Nadma reported 133 landslide incidents nationwide, including 55 in Selangor, 42 in Pahang, 17 in Negeri Sembilan, eight in Kuala Lumpur, six in Sarawak, three in Terengganu, and one each in Melaka and Sabah.
The December 2024 monsoon proved even more devastating, flooding 37 districts across nine states and forcing the evacuation of 153,411 people from 45,647 families into 686 temporary shelters, while tragically claiming four lives.
If your home is located near a riverbank, hillside, or an area with poor drainage, now is the time to take precautions. Malay Mail shares some practical tips to help you stay safe and prepared throughout this unpredictable monsoon season.
Flash floods in Ipoh November 13, 2023. — Picture by Farhan Najib
Make it a habit and plan ahead
Malaysians should make it a habit to stay alert throughout the monsoon season by keeping track of real-time weather updates and flood warnings from official sources like MetMalaysia and Nadma.
Always rely on verified sources to prevent the spread of misinformation and stay informed through reputable news outlets.
Be cautious of unverified claims or viral posts on social media, as false information can easily spread during these times, causing unnecessary panic and confusion.
Residents should also familiarise themselves with their escape routes to the nearest evacuation centres, also known as PPS (Pusat Pemindahan Sementara), by using the Nadma PPS map. It’s important to plan a safe escape route in advance.
Nadma has prepared 8,940 PPS nationwide, with around 60 per cent located in schools, to accommodate residents in the event of flooding.
To ensure residents’ needs are met, 62,650 food kits and 91,440 retort meals (MREs) have already been distributed, with another 60,000 food kits and 110,000 MREs allocated for the upcoming season.
Local district offices, municipal councils, or community leaders can also provide information on PPS locations, and residents can contact Nadma directly at 03-8870 4800 for guidance.
In the past, many have overlooked this step, which can cause unnecessary stress or even prevent them from reaching a PPS on time.
Kulim’s Civil Defence Force during a flood rescue operation October 25, 2025. — Bernama pic
Stay prepared and protect your home too
While many Malaysians are familiar with basic safety measures, protecting their home is often overlooked.
Residents should regularly inspect and clear drainage systems, elevate important documents and electrical appliances, and secure valuables to prevent water damage.
Maintaining electrical systems is also crucial — turning off the main power when flooding is imminent can help prevent accidents and electrical hazards.
Additionally, it’s advisable to keep a waterproof bag with essentials such as identification documents, medication, power banks, and dry food, ready to grab in case of evacuation.
In the event that residents are trapped or in immediate danger, there’s no need to panic. You can contact the Fire and Rescue Department or the police for help.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has previously stated that the government has proactively implemented measures to ensure that all relevant agencies are fully prepared for the monsoon season, even though early forecasts suggest its impact will be less severe this year.
He also emphasised that the government, in collaboration with Nadma and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), has established an early warning system to facilitate prompt evacuations before water levels rise.
