KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued warnings of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds in seven states until 12pm today.
According to MetMalaysia, the affected states are Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak (Kerian, Larut, Matang and Selama, Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar and Manjung) and Johor (Kluang, Mersing, Pontian, Kulai, Kota Tinggi and Johor Bahru).
In Sabah, warnings cover Kuala Penyu, Beaufort, Keningau and Tambunan in the interior, as well as Papar, Putatan, Penampang, Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Kota Belud and Labuan.
The department also said that first-category strong wind and rough sea warnings are in effect for coastal waters off Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Sarawak, western Sabah and Labuan until 1pm today.
“These conditions can bring winds of up to 50 kilometres per hour and waves as high as 3.5 metres, posing danger to small boats,” it said.
Meanwhile, media reports said several states have already been hit by floods, including Sabah where 415 victims from 113 families were evacuated to two temporary relief centres and one permanent relief centre as of 8am today. Continuous downpours since late last night also triggered flash floods in parts of Hulu Langat, Selangor.
Residents shared on social media that the Langat River began rising at about 4.30am before overflowing onto nearby roads, inundating homes. MetMalaysia added that first-category strong wind and rough sea warnings were also issued for shipping routes in Phuket waters, North Reef, and Palawan from tomorrow until Saturday. “These conditions are dangerous for small boats, sea recreation and water sports,” it said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
