The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) has directed the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) to revise its standard operating procedures (SOP) for issuing weather information, advisories, and warnings. This initiative aims to ensure more frequent updates during extreme weather conditions.
Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad emphasized the need for improved communication strategies to effectively disseminate weather information and warnings to the public. “This is to ensure that the public is more aware of current weather conditions and can avoid unwanted incidents,” he stated in a recent announcement.
The minister acknowledged media reports suggesting that MetMalaysia did not issue weather warnings because an earlier forecast remained in effect.
Nik Nazmi also noted that the country has entered the monsoon transition phase, which began this week and will last until early November. This phase marks the end of the Southwest Monsoon, which has been in effect since May 17.
During this transition, the country will experience weak winds from various directions, potentially leading to thunderstorms that can cause heavy rain and strong winds, particularly in the evenings and early nights across most areas of Peninsular Malaysia, western Sabah, and central Sarawak.
“These weather conditions may result in flash floods, fallen trees, and damage to weak structures,” he warned.
To ensure safety, Nik Nazmi urged the public to remain vigilant during this period and to keep updated with forecasts and warnings issued by MetMalaysia. Information is available through the official MetMalaysia website, the myCuaca mobile app, and the department’s official social media channels. For further inquiries, the public can contact the department’s hotline at 1-300-22-1638.
