Monsoon storms expected to continue until Dec 24

The current monsoon is expected to last until Dec 24, potentially bringing strong winds, big waves and persistent rainfall in the northern and east coast states of the peninsula and east of Sabah.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions) Armizan Mohd Ali said reports received by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) from the meteorological department (MetMalaysia) yesterday evening said the situation would also cause big waves at the South China Sea. 

"Following this, MetMalaysia issued a persistent rain warning for Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor until Dec 21 and a warning of strong winds and turbulent seas in the South China Sea until Dec 22," he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Armizan said the Disaster Operations Control Centre (PKOB) coordinated by Nadma was activated this morning.

He said, all state PKOBs had been directed to inform the central PKOB of any needs and issues that require immediate intervention to ensure a smooth management response.

According to the Welfare Department (JKM) Disaster Info application as of 8.40pm last night, the number of flood victims nationwide had continued rising to 10,347 victims from 3,081 families.

They have been placed at 149 temporary evacuation centre (PPS) in six states, with 58 PPS in Kelantan, three in Johor, 84 in Terengganu, two in Perak, and one each in Sarawak and Pahang.

As of 2pm, reports were received regarding slope landslips, sunken roads and damaged bridges at 51 locations.

Armizan said the incidents were reported in 18 districts in Terengganu, 16 in Kelantan, four each in Kedah, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang, three in Johor, and one each in Perak and Selangor involving 18 federal roads and 33 state roads.

Armizan advised residents, especially in flooded areas, to be vigilant and follow the instructions of the authorities.