Kuala Lumpur: People in high-risk areas of southern Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak are reminded to be vigilant and prepared for possible flooding due to the monsoon surge, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. As spokesperson for the Unity Government, he stated that this warning was issued following heavy rain forecasted by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) last Sunday for several affected areas due to the monsoon surge.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this warning issued by MetMalaysia is effective until January 19. Fahmi made this statement at the Communications Minister's weekly press conference. He further explained that preparations to face this situation were discussed in the Cabinet meeting held today.

The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), along with other agencies like the Department of Social Welfare (JKM), the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (CDF), and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), are on high alert. 'We (the government) have asked the agencies involved to be on high alert,' Fahmi said, highlighting the government's proactive measures to ensure public safety.

MetMalaysia had previously announced that continuous heavy rain is expected to hit several states in the peninsula, Sabah, and Southern and Western Sarawak starting today. This announcement follows analyses of the latest weather forecast models indicating that the monsoon surge is likely to occur.