KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 — The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a thunderstorm warning for states across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, cautioning residents to brace for heavy rain, strong winds and lightning until 7.00pm.

The warning, issued at 4.10pm, covers an extensive stretch of the country, affecting communities from the northern state of Perlis all the way south to Johor, as well as major areas in both East Malaysian states.

In Peninsular Malaysia, the affected states include Perlis, several districts in Kedah — namely Kubang Pasu, Kota Setar, Pokok Sena and Padang Terap — as well as districts in Perak, Pahang, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor.

The warning covers densely populated and economically significant areas, including parts of the Klang Valley such as Gombak, Hulu Selangor and Hulu Langat.

In Sarawak, the alert extends across Kuching, Serian, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, Kapit, Bintulu, Miri and Limbang, while in Sabah, residents in the Interior, West Coast, Tawau, parts of Sandakan and the Kudat division have also been placed on notice.

MetMalaysia said the warning was triggered by conditions indicating thunderstorms with rainfall intensity exceeding 20 millimetres per hour, either already occurring or expected to persist for more than one hour.

The department reminded the public that thunderstorm warnings are short-term advisories, valid for no more than six hours from the time of issuance.

Residents in the affected areas are advised to remain indoors where possible, avoid open fields and tall trees, and stay away from flooded roads and waterways.

Motorists are urged to exercise caution, reduce speed and switch on headlights in conditions of poor visibility.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 — The public has been advised to stay alert to current weather developments as the country is expected to enter the Southwest Monsoon phase from today until September.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this period typically brings lower rainfall distribution as well as hotter and drier weather conditions across most areas.

“I would like to advise the public to remain aware of current weather developments, use water prudently and avoid any open burning activities that could lead to haze and environmental pollution,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also National Disaster Management Committee chairman, said heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms could still occur in certain areas during this period.

The squall line phenomenon could potentially occur along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, northern Sarawak and western Sabah, especially in the early morning, and may persist for several hours, he said. 

He urged the public to remain vigilant and refer to verified and up-to-date weather information issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).

“May we all continue to be protected and have our affairs eased, Insya-Allah,” he said. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds affecting eight states until 5pm today.

In a statement today, MetMalaysia said the adverse weather conditions are expected in Perlis, Kedah (Langkawi) and Perak, involving Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, Kinta, Kampar, Batang Padang and Muallim.

Similar conditions are also forecast in Pahang, specifically Cameron Highlands and Bentong, as well as Hulu Selangor in Selangor.

In Johor, the affected areas are Batu Pahat, Kluang, Mersing, Pontian, Kulai, Kota Tinggi and Johor Bahru.

Meanwhile, in Sabah, the warning covers the Interior areas of Keningau and Tambunan, the West Coast, Tawau, Kinabatangan in Sandakan, and Kudat.

In Sarawak, the warning has been issued for Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, Song and Kapit in Kapit division, as well as Tatau in Bintulu division. — Bernama