Weatherman warns of continuous rain in most states

 

A boatman helps residents stranded by floods in Dungun, Terengganu. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: The Meteorological Department of Malaysia (MetMalaysia) has issued continuous rain warnings at danger, severe and alert levels for most states until Tuesday.

In a statement today, MetMalaysia said the affected states are Johor, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Sabah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

Danger-level continuous torrential rain is forecast in Johor, affecting the districts of Tangkak, Muar, Batu Pahat, Pontian and Johor Bahru today.

Severe-level continuous heavy rain is expected until tomorrow in Pahang, in the districts of Jerantut, Maran, Kuantan, Bera, Pekan and Rompin; and the entire state of Negeri Sembilan and Melaka.

Also affected are the districts of Segamat, Kluang, Mersing, Kulai and Kota Tinggi in Johor, as well as Telupid, Beluran, Sandakan and Kudat in Sabah.

MetMalaysia said continuous rain (alert level) is expected in Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang, affecting Cameron Highlands, Lipis, Raub, Bentong and Temerloh, while in Sabah, it involves the west coast, including Tuaran, Ranau and Kota Belud and the Kinabatangan districts until Tuesday.

A similar situation is expected in Perak involving the districts of Manjung, Kinta, Perak Tengah, Kampar, Bagan Datuk, Hilir Perak, Batang Padang and Muallim, apart from Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya until tomorrow.

High tide phenomenon

Meanwhile, the environment and water ministry said it has taken steps to face the high tide phenomenon that is predicted to occur around Batu Pahat, Johor, from today till Wednesday.

Ministry secretary-general Zaini Ujang said short-term action involved preparations for flash floods, especially in low-lying areas in Batu Pahat, such as Parit Johar and Jalan Sultanah.

This included ensuring that all six flood control gates function properly and no sediments and rubbish clog the drainage system.

“The department of irrigation and drainage (DID) has also built barriers using sandbags and carried out sediment suction along underground drains in Jalan Sultanah,” he said in a statement today.

A high tide phenomenon can cause flash flooding if it coincides with continuous rain that can overwhelm drainage systems.

Zaini said the department also took the first step by building a 200m embankment from Parit Lapis to Taman Nira last year to prevent overflow of Sungai Batu Pahat.

“Residents living near coastal areas and major rivers are advised to be on alert and follow the latest developments, including warnings issued by the authorities as well as ensure the drainage near homes is always maintained,” he said.

For more information on the current water level status of rivers nationwide, the public can visit https://publicinfobanjir.water.gov.my or through the MyPublicInfoBanjir application. - FMT