KUALA LUMPUR: The monsoon transition period with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms is unlikely to bring major floods, but could potentially cause flash floods in areas with poor drainage system.
Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Jailan Simon said during that time, heavy rains only occurred in the early evening in most of the states along the west coast and interior of the peninsula, west coast of Sabah, western and central Sarawak.
“This situation (monsoon transition phase) does not usually lead to major floods but there is a possibility of occasional flash floods especially in lowland and urban areas with clogged drainage problems and poor drainage system,“ he said when contacted by Bernama today.
Therefore, he advised the public to be more careful and reduce outdoor activities during heavy rains and thunderstorms to avoid any untoward incidents.
Jailan said the transition of the monsoon that began Sept 24 after the end of the southwest monsoon is expected to continue until the second week of November, before the start of the northeast monsoon.
“When the northeast monsoon commences, the eastern coastal states will experience continuous heavy rainfall that may cause floods.
It is not certain if major floods will happen. But Kelantan and Terengganu can expect heavy rainfall around November while southern Pahang from December to January. — Bernama
