Kuala lumpur: The public has been reminded not to take lightly the possibility of floods this year during the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) period, despite forecasts by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) indicating that conditions will not be as severe as last year. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized the importance of vigilance due to unpredictable changes in weather patterns, which have resulted in unusually heavy rainfall in regions typically unaffected, such as Perak and Kedah.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid highlighted these concerns after informing the Cabinet about the unusual weather developments. He noted that while heavy rainfall traditionally affects the East Coast, areas like northern Perak and the west coast of Kedah have experienced significant precipitation. Acknowledging the unpredictability of natural phenomena, he stressed that the government has enhanced its preparedness measures to mitigate potential disasters.
The government, through the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), is intensifying coordination efforts at state and district levels, especially in flood-prone areas, to ensure smooth preparedness during the MTL season. Ahmad Zahid stated that this initiative includes boosting logistical assets for NADMA and other security forces such as the police, military, and the Fire and Rescue Department, alongside mobilizing volunteer teams nationwide.
He further mentioned that the government is leveraging MetMalaysia's early warning system to issue weather alerts more than a week in advance, allowing residents in high-risk areas to prepare early. He urged communities to comply with evacuation directives, which are issued three days before anticipated increases in water levels and heavier rainfall. To facilitate timely evacuations, 1,380 warning sirens have been installed in high-risk red zone areas.
Ahmad Zahid concluded by stating that the warning sirens in these vulnerable locations will be activated once floods reach yellow or red alert levels, ensuring that residents remain alert and are ready to relocate to temporary evacuation centers or designated permanent shelters.