PUBLIC URGED TO STAY VIGILANT AMID NORTHEAST MONSOON 

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- The public has been reminded to remain vigilant and to comply with instructions from the authorities following unstable weather conditions caused by the Northeast Monsoon currently affecting the country, particularly East Coast states.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) has issued continuous rain warnings, and the development must be taken seriously by all parties to avoid any risks to personal and family safety.

“Do not take flood risks lightly, avoid wading through fast-flowing water and ensure that safety aspects are prioritised. Obtain the latest information only through official channels such as METMalaysia and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID),” he said in a post on his X platform today.

Meanwhile, he urged parents to monitor their children’s movements and activities, especially with the school holidays set to begin soon, to prevent any untoward incidents.

This includes ensuring that children do not play in high-risk areas such as rivers, drains, large culverts or flooded locations, as minor negligence could lead to major tragedies.

In addition, he said parents are encouraged to plan their children’s movements carefully if they need to leave home, particularly in flood-affected areas.

“Safety is a shared responsibility. Insya-Allah, with caution, concern and cooperation from all parties, we can get through this season more safely,” he said.

At the same time, he also expressed concern for candidates sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, which continues until Dec 23, and advised them to remain focused on their examinations while ensuring their personal safety.

Earlier, METMalaysia issued a danger-level continuous rain warning involving the districts of Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin in Pahang, while an adverse-level continuous rain warning for Jerantut, Maran and Bera also in Pahang, Terengganu (Dungun and Kemaman), and Johor (Segamat, Kluang, Mersing and Kota Tinggi).

An alert-level continuous rain warning has been issued for nine states, namely Kelantan; Terengganu (Besut, Setiu, Kuala Nerus, Hulu Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu and Marang); and Pahang (Cameron Highlands, Lipis, Raub, Bentong and Temerloh).

Also to be affected are Selangor, the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor (Tangkak, Muar, Batu Pahat, Pontian, Kulai and Johor Bahru).

-- BERNAMA