THE Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued orange (severe-level continuous rain warning) and yellow alerts (alert-level continuous heavy rain warning) for several areas in Sarawak, Sabah, Pahang and Johor until February 1.

In a statement issued via the National Disaster Management Agency’s (Nadma) National Disaster Command Centre (NDCC) at 1.30pm today, MetMalaysia said that severe-level continuous rain is forecast in Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Sibu, Selangau, Mukah, Daro, Matu and Dalat di Sarawak as well as Sandakan, Telupid, Beluran and Kudat in Sabah.

Continuous heavy rain is forecast in Pahang (Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin), Johor (Mersing and Kota Tinggi), Sarawak (Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, Kanowit, Mukah, Tanjung Manis, Kapit (Song) and Bintulu) as well as Ranau, Kota Belud and Sandakan (Kinabatangan) in Sabah.

The same yellow alert is also forecast today in Terengganu and several areas in Kelantan, namely Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Kota Bharu, Bachok and Pasir Puteh.

As such, the NDCC has asked all state and district disaster management committees in these locations to be activated to heighten preparedness levels in facing possible disasters in high-risk areas. 

“The disaster management committees are also asked to ensure all temporary relief centres are ready with basic necessities and on-site control posts have sufficient and functional operational assets,” the statement read. – Bernama, January 30, 2023.