PUTRAJAYA: People in southern Peninsular Malaysia, as well as Sabah and Sarawak, have been urged to remain alert for potential floods due to the monsoon surge, which is expected to last until Sunday.

Unity government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said that according to the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the monsoon surge was expected to bring heavy rain, increasing the occurrence of floods.

“Earlier today (yesterday), the cabinet was reminded about the monsoon surge warning issued by MetMalaysia, which will be in effect until Jan 19. Three locations have been given a preliminary monsoon warning, namely southern Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah. We remind residents in Johor, particularly in areas like Mersing and Pengerang (in Kota Tinggi), to stay alert.

“The same applies to Sarawak and Sabah. Be prepared for potential floods due to the monsoon surge,” he said at his weekly postcabinet meeting press briefing here yesterday.

Fahmi, who is also communications minister, said preparations were made, especially by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), to ensure swift action in case of floods in various areas.

“Nadma is on standby. Ministries and agencies involved (including the Welfare Department, Civil Defence Force and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission) have been instructed to remain at a high state of readiness,” he said.

On Tuesday, MetMalaysia had announced that following an analysis of the latest weather forecast models, a monsoon surge was expected to occur from today to Sunday.

Its director-general, Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip, had said this could result in continuous rain in the southern peninsula, as well as in Sabah and Sarawak.

“In this regard, MetMalaysia has issued a continuous rain warning (Be Cautious) for Johor, Sabah and Sarawak, effective from Jan 16 to 19. Members of the public are advised to regularly check the website www.met.gov.my, MetMalaysia’s official social media channels and download the myCuaca app for the latest and reliable information.”