Hakim Mahari
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued an advisory after a tropical depression developed near Kuantan, Pahang, raising concerns over severe weather.
MetMalaysia said the system, detected at 11am, could bring persistent heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas over the South China Sea.
“It may bring persistent heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas in the South China Sea,” it said.
The tropical depression is moving eastwards across the Peninsula at 5 km/h, with maximum wind speeds of up to 56 km/h. It is located approximately 81km northeast of Kuantan, at latitude 4.0° N and longitude 10.4° E.
MetMalaysia advised the public to prepare for episodes of heavy rain associated with the Northeast Monsoon and to stay alert to updates via its website, the myCuaca app, official social media channels, and the hotline at 1-300-22-1638.
A tropical depression is an early stage of a tropical cyclone, characterised by rotating clouds and winds that are still relatively low.
In recent days, torrential rain has swept across large parts of Malaysia amid the onset of the Northeast Monsoon, traditionally bringing heavy downpours and strong winds.
The seasonal rains have already forced thousands of people, particularly in low-lying areas, to evacuate to temporary shelters as rivers overflow and drainage systems become overwhelmed.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
