KOTA KINABALU (May 7): The Southwest Monsoon is expected to begin on May 10 and continue until September, as winds start blowing consistently from the southwest toward the country. During this season, humidity levels are typically low, resulting in reduced cloud formation and less rainfall in most areas, the Meterological Department said in a statement on Wednesday.

Consequently, the country will receive lower rainfall compared to other periods, with more rainless days than rainy days.

However, heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms can still occur in the western Sabah, northern Sarawak, and Peninsula, particularly in the early morning due to the squall line phenomenon. A squall line is a series of thunderstorms formed by wind convergence and can persist for several hours.

During the peak of the monsoon (July to September), local and transboundary haze may occur if open burning activities are not controlled. Therefore, open burning should be avoided to reduce haze pollution that harms the country’s environment. The public is also advised to use water wisely during this period.

For the latest and verified weather updates, refer to the official website, myCuaca mobile app, official social media channels of the Meterological Department, or contact the Hotline at 1-300-22-1638 for further inquiries.

The Sabah State Disaster Management Committee Secretariat said two temporary relief centres (PPS) in the Sook district were closed at 2 pm today.

Meanwhile, the PPS at Dewan Residensi PR1MA Woorford Estate in Beaufort was also closed at 4 pm.

The centres were officially closed after inspections confirmed that the affected areas and homes were safe for residents to return.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 — The South-west Monsoon is expected to begin on May 10 and continue until September, marked by winds blowing consistently from the south-west across the country.

Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said that during the South-west Monsoon, lower humidity levels typically lead to reduced rain cloud formation across most areas.

“As a result, the country will experience reduced rainfall during this period, with more dry days than rainy ones.

“However, heavy rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms may still occur in the western parts of the Peninsula, northern Sarawak, and the western part of Sabah, particularly in the early morning, due to the squall line phenomenon. This occurs when winds converge, creating a line of thunderstorms which can last for several hours,” he said in a statement today.

During the peak of the season, from July to September, there is a possibility of local and cross-border haze if open burning activities are not effectively managed.

He stressed that open burning should be strictly avoided to help mitigate haze and prevent environmental pollution, while also urging the public to use water sparingly during this period.

For the latest weather updates, the public can visit the official MetMalaysia website, download the myCuaca mobile app, follow the department’s official social media channels, or contact the hotline at 1-300-22-1638 for any further inquiries. — Bernama

SUBANG JAYA: “Saya juga mang­sa, tetapi saya rasa proses penilaian kerugian tidak dibuat dengan teliti.”

Demikian luah Mohd Sabri Nordin, 47, penduduk Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru yang kecewa dengan jumlah ganti rugi yang ditawarkan susulan kerosakan rumah akibat letupan paip gas di Putra Heights baru-baru ini.

Mohd Sabri berkata, jumlah ganti rugi yang ditawarkan ha­nya sebanyak RM300,000 untuk setiap lot rumah sedangkan dia mempunyai dua rumah sewa yang perlu dibaiki.

“Kerugian yang dialami bukan sahaja melibatkan struktur rumah tetapi juga perabot serta perkakasan elektrik yang turut rosak.

“Dengan jumlah yang ditawarkan, ia benar-benar tidak dapat menampung semua kos pembaikan ini, apatah lagi saya perlu membaiki dua rumah sewa yang menjadi sumber pendapatan saya sebelum ini,” katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia.

Menurut Mohd Sabri, pe­ngiraan jumlah ganti rugi yang dilakukan tidak efektif kerana tidak mengambil kira keadaan setiap rumah yang berlainan.

Katanya, rumah-rumah di si­ni mempunyai tahap kerosakan yang tidak sama dan tidak sepatutnya pengiraan dibuat sama rata untuk setiap rumah.

“Rumah saya yang terkesan ini sepatutnya dikategorikan sebagai kerosakan separuh hancur, namun pihak berkuasa menganggap ia hanya kerosakan kecil,” katanya.

Mohd Sabri juga berkata, pihak berwajib telah meminta penduduk menggunakan wang sendiri untuk memulakan pembaikan walaupun pada awalnya dijanjikan bantuan segera.

“Pihak berkuasa menyuruh kami menggunakan wang sendiri untuk kerja-kerja pembaikan sebelum menuntut wang daripada mereka.

“Tidak mengapa jika jumlahnya kecil. Tetapi jika mence­cah berbelas ribu dari mana kami mahu cari duit tersebut?” tambahnya.

Mohd Sabri turut menyatakan bahawa penduduk di kampung itu telah sepakat untuk melantik peguam bagi menuntut ganti rugi. – UTUSAN