The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia) has issued a thunderstorm warning for large parts of the country, with heavy rain and strong winds expected to continue until 6pm today.
The warning covers Perak, involving Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, Kinta, Kampar, Hilir Perak, Batang Padang and Muallim; Kelantan, including Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Jeli, Tanah Merah, Kuala Krai and Gua Musang; Terengganu, covering Setiu, Kuala Nerus, Kuala Terengganu, Marang, Dungun and Kemaman; Pahang, involving Cameron Highlands, Bentong, Temerloh, Kuantan, Bera, Pekan and Rompin.
The warning includes Selangor, namely Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor, Hulu Selangor, Gombak, Petaling, Hulu Langat and Sepang; as well as the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. The warning also covers the whole of Negeri Sembilan and Johor.
In East Malaysia, the alert extends to Sarawak, covering Kuching, Julau in Sarikei, Kanowit in Sibu, Mukah, Song in Kapit, Bintulu and Sebauh in Bintulu, Subis, Beluru, Miri and Marudi in Miri, as well as Limbang.
In Sabah, the affected areas are Sipitang, Tenom, Beaufort, Nabawan, Keningau and Tambunan in the Interior, Papar, Penampang, Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran and Ranau on the West Coast, and Tongod, Telupid, Beluran and Sandakan in the Sandakan division.
MET Malaysia said the warning is issued when there are indications of thunderstorms with rainfall intensity exceeding 20mm per hour that are imminent or expected to persist for more than an hour.
The department added that thunderstorm warnings are short-term advisories, with each warning valid for no more than six hours from the time of issuance.
